Much of today’s governmental behaviour can be traced to 9/11. Terrorists want you to be afraid, Bush wanted you to be afraid, Trump most definitely wants you to be afraid. Seems the rightwing is afraid most of all because those people of colour want to rape you and your daughters, bring drugs that you don’t want to buy and worst of all, live in your neighbourhood. Fear rules.
11
"pro-life"
13
The best piece I have ever seen in the NYT. Nicolas Kristof lays out - in a human and clear way - the fundamental American discord of these times.
Kristof counterbalances and makes up for the right-wing misogynistic radical commentators to whom the NYT (properly) accords space.
7
I understand the comparison to people helping Jews during the Holocaust might be overused, but what else can someone say about a society that makes it illegal to help save lives of people deemed subhuman and marked for a suffering death?
24
For a supposedly Christian nation, what is happening in America?
14
So if I see someone dying I should ask them for their papers before helping them?
18
The hypocrisy of this administration is mind boggling!
8
Trumpery is like the tarot card where a man is hanging by one foot. He sees the world up-side-down.
3
What would Jesus do ??? Vote for Democrats.
Seriously.
14
It is one thing to be Christian. It is quite another to wear a garish "Christianity" badge on your sleeve and use it as a vehicle of hypocrisy to whatever political ends your cruel and bigoted prejudices direct.
Who ARE we? We are finding out and it's very ugly.
16
Thank you, Theresa Todd, for your mercy.
14
"Referring to Trump, Michele Bachmann, the former Republican congresswoman, recently said, 'We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.'"
Good god, I hope not!
6
What would Jesus Christ do? Are there Christians out there who think he would drive by because he wasn’t medically trained?
9
My observation is that the religion dating back to the Roman Empire, based on the belief that a baby born in a manger in Bethlehem and eventually crucified outside of Jerusalem, needs to find a new name. There is very little Christ in the Christianity practiced by people like Michele Bachman and her ilk.
6
The Gospel of Matthew chapter 25, 34-46
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
10
What a load of bunk...The Boarder Patrol were just doing their jobs and checking out her story.
Hey, can I quote the vile bible here?
1
I am against immigration - legal or illegal. However I support providing help to those in need and I really don't care what the law says. Todd's problem is that for a lawyer, she is not very smart (although better to be kind than smart). In a situation like that, you do not call an attorney for the Border Patrol and expect "professional courtesy". You tell the people to lay down in your vehicle to avoid detection and you drive them to the nearest ER and leave.
10
Mr. Kristof is one of our most important journalists because he treads where very few will go to report on dangerous injustices. It's telling that a man who has risked his life to report from Sudan and North Korea is now choosing to share this story.
7
So, if I see an accident with injured people, should I keep driving because one of the injured may be here illegally? When I practiced medicine, a lot of the time I just did what I needed to do and asked questions later. It's not a recipe for getting paid, but you do what you have to do. We need more Todds.
20
Let's see: the Republicans want to allow doctors and business owners the right to deny services to people for religious reasons, but it's OK to prosecute a good Samaritan for exercising her religious rights. And what did Jesus find the most intolerable berhavior of all? HYPOCRISY
12
Couldn't you tell this story without intertwining bible verses? Haven't we had enough of "Christians" thinking only they have the high moral ground? This woman helped because she saw her "son" standing by the road and would have wanted someone to stop to help him.
10
This is a heavy burden, taking care of those satellite nations and their people. It defines me as a person to take care of them.
This is tragic. Leave it to Nick Kristof to pull our heart strings.
Secretary of state is a position that demands occasional public appearances, but that a introvert can succeed at.
I'm going to have to talk to Sanders about this. I don't have the political chops, but I think I can do this anyway.
Kudos to Nick Kristof for telling this story of a remarkable and generous woman. I'm going to guess that most readers don't know the dangers of being on foot in this part of the United States, where heat and dehydration can kill quickly. Local residents and visitors are as susceptible as migrants. The Journal of the Southwest from the University of Arizona ran an article several years ago that is instructive. W.J McGee, a physician, wrote "Desert Thirst as Disease" in 1906 about the various stages of dehydration in humans. It still rings true and is worth a look.
7
Powerfully written Mr. Kristol.
(I stopped Mr Kristol for a selfie the other night at a poverty benefit). This is exactly why. Subscribe, read, vote, volunteer, resist.
4
Teresa Todd wasn’t arrested for stopping to help three desperate young adults. According to Presidio County Sheriff Danny Dominguez, one of his deputies was responding to a call of a a person walking along the road near Marfa. The deputy did not find the person, but he did spot Todd’s car, which began to pull away.
The deputy stopped the vehicle and recognized Todd as a Jeff Davis county attorney. There were three migrants in the car, including one female who appeared to need medical attention. The deputy called the Border Patrol. Border Patrol officers arrested Todd and transported the female to Big Bend Regional Hospital.
According to Sheriff Dominguez, Todd told the deputy that she had made phone calls to try and give the migrants asylum. As a borderland country attorney, Todd would be aware of laws again transporting illegal immigrants. Presidio County sheriff’s deputy know Todd and apparently had reason to suspect she was trying to shield the migrants from arrest.
She put the since woman’s life at risk by contacting illegal asylum advocates instead of calling emergency medical services.
2
It's worth noting that if Ms Todd were to be convicted of some crime because of her action, she likely would face the loss of her license to practice law, not only in Texas, but in any other U.S. jurisdiction. Losing your livelihood is one heck of a price to pay for an act of human kindness.
Is this the depth to which our country has sunk? Or is there worse to come?
12
It's worth noting that if Ms Todd were to be convicted of some crime because of her action, she likely would face the loss of her license to practice law, not only in Texas, but in any other U.S. jurisdiction. Losing your livelihood is one heck of a price to pay for an act of human kindness.
Is this the depth to which our country has sunk? Or is there worse to come?
1
I'm horrified to read that basic acts of humanity could be criminalized. Thank you for telling this story. And thank you for shining a light on the hypocrisy of those who claim Christianity, yet continue to scapegoat and contribute to the oppression of the vulnerable.
9
The Declaration may have said that all men were created equal, but that sure isn’t how the society those guys lived in operated.
3
One can only imagine the convoluted and tortuous interpretations of biblical meaning that evangelicals will quickly retort in support of Trump’s draconian—and downright immoral—policies. The simple albeit not simplistic lessons of the Good Samaritan will be contorted into pretexts for even more Republican cruelty. Count on it.
4
Ms. Todd stopped to help people in need. Shae has empathy and compassion. Mr. Trump has only contempt and ambition.
9
When helping someone who is obviously in need is considered a crime, it becomes clear that this country has completely slipped its moorings. When Jesus called his followers to love and serve "the least of these" as we would serve him he didn't exclude certain nationalities, ethnic backgrounds or other categories. Any of us can find ourselves in need more easily than we want to admit, and we would all hope that there would be someone to help us.
It amazes me that Ms. Bachman and many like her can see Trump as godly and biblical when his entire character and so many of his policies belie the lip service he gives to faith. This is certainly distorted vision of the worst sort. And these people are likely among those who claimed that President Obama was secretly a Muslim, or even the antichrist, even though Obama lives a life more consistent with Christian principles than Trump ever will. It truly makes me shake my head.
8
Drat. I had expunged the odious Michele Bachman from my memory but then Mr. Kristof goes and mentions her.
The audience for the parable of the Good Samaritan would have had strong prejudices against the Samaritan, the lowest of the low, along with the highest esteem for the priest and the Levite. Christ challenged the orthodxies and prejudices of his time, consistently calling for justice for the poorest, an inconvenient truth for Republicans.
6
There should be no doubt that Ms. Todd did the right thing. I don't know how a law that commands people to leave another human being to die by the side of the road because that *may* not be in the country legally can be constitutional. It's an abomination. Isn't leaving people to die considered a crime against humanity by the world court?
4
The Bachmann quote made me gag, frankly. Does she honestly believe that?
2
Amen to all who write that there is an overwhelming need for all Americans to live like they believed that each individual mattered. Remember the Declaration of Independence. It doesn't say only the white politically correct Christians are created equal, but all are created equal and entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Every part of that statement has been trespassed in the events of the border.
Add to that, the loss of our humanity and humane response to those in desperate need and one has to wonder where will this end up. We decry inhumane treatment around the world, and yet as an administration/government we willingly participate in the same behavior we criticize.
Hind sight may be 20/20, but currently we are all blind to heinous and despicable policies/directives that the Trump White House is encouraging and making legal. We have work to do!
3
Thank you for the bible quotes. This is the way to fight this, against the
whited sepulchers
moneychangers in the temple
hypocrites and haters
Sermon on the Mount
Taking the judgment from god, rather than leaving it for god ...
Jesus wept!
3
Thank you, Nicholas, we all need to be reminded what a human being can be.
7
What an obviously disingenuous argument by Kristof. Ms Todd is not a medical professional, nor is her car a hospital. So if anyone saved a life, it’s the sheriff who acted properly in detaining the migrants which led to the girl getting hospital care. Ms Todd could have called 911 which would have had the same result but in fact she did not because she wanted to protect illegal immigrants from potential deportation.
That girl is frankly lucky that sheriff showed up.
10
@JP
One does not have to be a "medical professional" to assist a fellow human being in distress, nor does their car need to be a "hospital". She apparently made several phone calls trying to get assistance. Throwing her in a cell for that (and contemplating charges) makes zero sense.
And unless you're a long distance mind reader your judgment as to her motivation is groundless and ill-conceived.
119
@JP
She is not a professional of any sort, just a mom, doing what they do: help those who need it.
We tend not to think clearly in the heat of the moment, but like armchair quarterbacks, we think in the abstract, like here, we would know exactly what to do and when to do it. No problem.
You're in your Parental or critical mode, which sometimes is called for, but mercy, humanity, and understanding should be options, too, no?
38
@JP
Yes, I agree. Calling 911 to aid and assist three young migrants in extremis. That would be the way to go.
Cleary this woman was not thinking clearly, as ICE and other law enforcement are so compassionate in these cases.
I suggest you might reconsider your use of the word disingenuous.
25
I find it notable that this column is published on the same day that Alabama passes an extreme ostensibly “pro-life” anti-abortion law. Assisting living, breathing humans somehow does not count as Pro-Life in today’s Republican Party.
11
Meanwhile, Trump just pardoned an old friend and business partner for embezzling millions of dollars...
5
@Byron
Yes he did, my mom worked for 25 years for a newspaper he purchased, retired at 65, received 3 cents on the dollar for her pension buyout when she was 80, he was trumps flatterer, not friend, trump has no friends.
4
What would Mike Pence do?
3
@Mr Mustard
Run and hide, then state we should pray for everyone working to protect our great Country.
Seriously.
3
I am an agnostic, but I found your interpolated comments from the Christian bible very, very appropriate and relevant.
To put it mildly, I am disgusted and nauseated by the actions of our current administration and the citizens who support it.
Our nation is acting disgracefully.
12
Republicans, this administration and so called Christians that stand with Trump continue to flaunt their lack of humanity daily. I’m not religious but was raised Catholic studying the Bible daily in school. So what would Jesus do? Well according to bible, exactly what Ms. Todd did, stop and help a fellow child of God. With the spate of anti-abortion bills being passed these fake Christians, Republicans & Trump couldn’t be more hypocritical! Shame on you all!
6
I read the previous article about Theresa Todd in the NYT earlier this week and called Congressman Hurd’s office. He represents Ms Todd’s district in Texas. His assistant had not seen the story.
I am wondering if the Times would do a follow up on his response?
7
Again, seems like the Christian right is complicit and the Christian left is silent.
2
As someone who grew up in Texas I am so proud of this Texan mom. I hope her charges get dropped and that the kids she picked up are ok.
130
Referring to Trump, Michele Bachmann, the former Republican congresswoman, recently said, “We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.” I believe God or Moses also is reported as saying “thou shalt not commit adultry” and thoushalt not steal”. Ms Bachmann I dislike hypocrisy
Chrisslevin
6
What would Jesus do?
Well, according to the book that right wing so called Christians quote like it was Scripture, we know what Jesus did:
He healed the sick.
He fed the hungry.
He visited the prisoner.
He clothed the naked.
He tended the poor.
He threw the bankers and merchants out of the temple.
He forgave those who tortured and murdered him.
He did all that with love and compassion, not with self-righteous judgement.
He did exactly the opposite of what these so called Christians in the republican party are doing.
Michelle Bachmann wouldn't know Jesus if she nailed him to a cross.
While trying to toe t rump's line about tariffs on China on Chris Wallace's show Lawrence Kudlow stated "that sure both sides will suffer, but China will suffer more".
That is the overriding theme of the t rump administration: Someone, somewhere, is going to suffer.
I saw a quote from one of his supporters saying that "sure I'm was suffering from his policies. It wasn't supposed to be me who suffered; it was suppose to be those people."
I am sure that when t rump rouses himself from his stupor in the mornings the first thing he thinks about is who he can make suffer on that particular day.
Sad.
9
This describes the difference between those who call themselves Christians. Some live the Gospel, love and care for others. Some hide their bigotry behind the law and quote the Bible to give them cover for hate.
2
So we have people who oppose abortion because it ends life, but when we have what seems to be a person practicing the teaching of Jesus Christ - preventing the death of a starving, thirsty person, - this person gets arrested. Jesus, Joseph and Mary.
4
Dogs? Cats? Horses? Pet snakes?
Stop all you want to help them. When animals need help, they need it.
People?
Drive on folks. This here's America. Let people take care of themselves. That's why we got cops. To arrest you if you help a person in need.
6
We do not need religion to do what is right. Religion causes more harm than good, always has.
2
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for this compelling piece. Why has
it become policy, let alone acceptable, to criminalize kindness?
4
A brilliant expose of Trump-GOP's Anti-Christ America, a pack of whited sepulchers hellbent on cultish Christian cruelty who Jesus wouldn't touch with a ten-mile pole.
Religious folks come in varying persuasions.
There are those who sponge in the true spirit of charity, compassion and empathy championed in religious texts....and then there are those who sponge in authoritarianism, control, judgement and religious cruelty.
The latter are the present-day Trump-GOPers, happy to inflict there authoritarian mindset and inhumane rules on others without a whiff of Christianity.
These are the the Christian Shariah Law Americans, happy to rule punish women for sexuality, immigrants for showing up, and dissenters for questioning corrupt authority.
These are Trumpers, happy to support their Messiah as he attempts to destroy healthcare for the masses, as he gilds the rich while handing the masses a beautiful lump of 'beautiful, clean' filthy coal, as he demonizes the 'other' while championing their morally bankrupt 'whiteness'.
Never let it be said that America is a Christian nation.
It may have been founded by Christians a long time ago, but what passes for much of today's Bible Belt, it's fake 'heartland' and Trumpistan is much further away from the teachings of Jesus Christ than any agnostic or atheist could get.
Teresa Todd and others like her have demonstrated Christianity and good Samaritanship.
America's fraudulent Trumpified 'Christians' can't stand such human decency.
445
@Socrates
Right on!! I would like to add that our founders were Christian and new exactly how bad/negative there's and other religions could be and that is why they separated religion and State.
46
@Socrates
As child in a So. Bapt. church, I would hear that we were a NT church. Doesn't appear that's true any longer. I also studied OT in college. Wow. Lots of "fire and brimstone" but not much love for others. Not all but so many Christians today act like OT "Christians". Jesus also said that he came to replace the law just as he said that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. Perhaps Trump whose favorite book is the Bible, after all, and his followers should reread Leviticus 19:9-18. Jesus did know the law that counted.
32
@oscar jr
Unfortunately, nowhere near all of our founders were Christians. The Dutch, who founded the city and colony of New York, allowed anyone of any religion (including Jews, Muslims, and atheists) to live and abide in their territory. Half of the people on the Mayflower came over for money, not religion. Thomas Jefferson fought for years to not allow pastors/priests/etc. to use the facilities of the University he helped found, because he was far more a deist than a Christian (check out how many times the word “God” or descriptions of miracles there are in the Bible he edited).
In the eight years he was President, George Washington only used the word “God” once in his letters and speeches (and that one was probably written by his secretary). He refused to have a priest/pastor in the room as he died, and was buried in unsanctified ground, something which was almost unheard of during that time for someone who was a Christian.
The vast expansion of religion in this country occurred during the Second Great Awakening, which took place primarily in the early 1800s. The First Great Awakening (1738-1745), according to most historians, had little impact on the majority of Americans at the time of the American Revolution.
56
Why did she need to “frantically text” anyone? A sick person with “potentially fatal” illness needs to be brought to medical attention immediately.
Would one text a lawyer before bringing a severely injured accident victim to the hospital?
This piece is so pandering and one-dimensional - How were the border patrol agents to know that this was simply a “Good Samaritan” and not someone working with coyotes or other traffickers?
Are the agents supposed to blindly believe anyone who states they are upright Christians?
17
She had a license I’m sure showing she was legal, and just acting humanly. She should have been thanked by border control instead!
26
The Border Patrol, and especially ICE, are inhumane; mistreating human beings who are seeking a better life. These people need help, not incarceration. Those who help them need commendations and support, not vilification and incarceration.
Typically, immigrant runners abandon their charges after collecting their fees... you are far too worried about coyotes than about the human beings who are dying, both in trying to get into the country, and those who are put into custody and then mistreated.
31
@DEF MD
Yeah, how were the border agents supposed to know! Just like healthcare! Who knew it could be so complicated!
19
I wonder if Mr Kristoff believes the Bible or just uses it while pushing a political agenda? A clever trope for open borders folks but insincere.
6
@Lane So are you saying that to implay Trump's policies align with the Bible? As Christians, we should care about whether or not we are loving the most vulnerable among us, not the religiosity of people calling for more compassion.
10
Doesn't matter...
The use of the Bible verses points out well the hypocrisy of Republicans,,Trump, Border Patrol, and law enforcement officials who claim the mantle of Christianity but are anti-immigrant, anti-minority, anti-life, and hardly Christian at all!
9
@Lane
Sounds more like a moral agenda to me. And since when is using the Bible to illustrate a moral argument considered a 'clever trope'? Isn't that exactly what it's meant to be used for? (Well, that and as a doorstop.)
6
Tears. Mr. Kristof, is there a crowd-funding source for this kind lady?
My husband saw a bumper sticker yesterday that said, “Make America Kind Again”.
6
Shame on the Border Patrol and any Judge in any Court who falls for the argument that Mrs. Todd was smuggling three immigrants into the country. She should be given the Medal of Honor for reminding us what this country used to be.
Perhaps the Kennedy Family will give her the next Profile in Courage Award.
7
It's funny that Trump and Pence want to bring back bible study but neither of them seem to have learned anything from it...
6
This is SOOOOOO disheartening! I can scarcely believe it happened in the United States. What have we become?
4
Referring to Trump, Michele Bachmann, the former Republican congresswoman, recently said, “We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.”
Is it biblical to let starving ill people die? Is it biblical to give more money to the wealthy and then think about eliminating ACA and cutting Medicare and Medicaid? Should people who are in danger for their lives stay and be killed or raped because trying to improve their lives is despicable in the eyes of Jesus?
I don't recall Jesus asking people if they worked before healing them. He gave food to masses of people in his sermon on the mount. Why give food away when some of those people probably didn't deserve a free handout?
I thank Todd for her humanity. She is the biblical one.
What is happening to this country? This type of thing makes me sick.
2
Lately, Trump is doing more and more to pander to the 'religious vote' simply because he needs the votes. Selling himself as a 'religious' man is just a silly as selling himself as the smartest man in history. It's just a numbers game to him. If he believed he could garner more votes by mounting machine guns at the border he would have done that. So far, basic humanity is still stronger than whatever Trump is selling. I'm not sure even he knows what that is.
2
Hmmm. You would think that a Good Samaritan, seeing how sick the young woman was, would have called for EMS or race to the hospital. Instead she sat in the car with them, including this very sick woman, making phone calls seeking legal protection for the three. I wonder what would have become of this seriously ill woman if the sheriff had not intervened.
2
Thank you so much for
“We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.”
I have never laughed so hard in my life....
Thanks again.
2
The Priest and Levite did not offer help, because they were indifferent and selfish. Supporters of Donald Trump's immigration policies do not offer help, not because of indifference or selfishness, but because they believe that offering help is misconduct that should prosecuted. It is one thing to allow a person to die because you are too indifferent and selfish to help. It is another thing to allow a person to die because you believe that is the right thing to do. The moral depravity we are witnessing in this country far exceeds what Jesus addressed in his parable of the good Samaritan.
3
Whatever one may feel about illegal immigration, there's something every single one of us needs to underestand: Any government willing to arrest a citizen for helping a fellow human being in desperate need who happens to be an illegal immigrant will not hesitate to arrest a citizen for helping others the government deems undesireable. What's next? Arrests for helping the homeless? Someone suffering a drug overdose? Maybe just providing food to the poor?
3
Amen!
No, it's no longer the United States. It's "Great America".
The current administration's treatment of would-be immigrants trying to survive, and those who would help sustain their lives, is appalling enough. Add to that the supposed devotion to life of the anti-choice legislators in Georgia, Alabama and other states, and you can see a truly twisted set of values. There is nothing Godly about the current administration - nor, I fear, most of Trump's supporters.
2
Teresa Todd did just the right thing. Moreover, while the Biblical commentary in the report models the right thing to do, it doesn’t take religious belief to know what the right thing is. “Be good, do good” is a standard of morality that many secular humanists and atheists embrace. Helping other humans in need is simply basic.
5
If your faith can now legally be used to refuse to help a patient why can't your faith make it legal to help someone?
7
The arrests are intended to strike terror in the minds of people who would lend help. We have these arrests in southern Arizona.
Every day we are reminded of the evil of trump and the right wing. Where is humanity?
6
Life is a test and a chance for the soul to correct or diminish.
Michelle Bachman’s quote sums up the deity she prays to: the Father of Lies.
Nativism is foolish on its face.
Would American companies have more business with 7 billion customers or 300 million?
The belief that by making everything in America through increasing import prices will make American workers better off ignores automation and inflation.
Less choice and more expensive products certainly aren’t good for American consumers, reducing demand.
America became the greatest country on Earth by welcoming immigrants of all skill levels and respecting the rule of law.
Putin’s choice for America’s president is doing neither. Putin was not trying to make America great when he put Trump in office by manipulating the Electoral College vote.
Respect the value of every human being before focusing on a zygote.
4
Thank you, Mrs. Todd, we are so busy being hateful and divisive to each other that we forget the simplest gestures send the most powerful message.
2
I looked up the definition of Evangelical (who overwhelmingly are Trump supporters).
Google showed me "of or according to the teaching of the gospel or the Christian religion."
What has become of our country?
3
To prosecute this lady is a miscarriage of justice and a real lack of common sense. She is a hero and a role model for what a good citizen looks like. God bless her!
5
I wonder what bible and what god Michelle Bachmann is referring to? Certainly not the Christian Bible. Fortunately, we are supposed to have religious freedom in this country so she has freedom of her personal beliefs. I would just like to know what her religion is.
3
I'm like Overseas American and glad I live in France. Although France is not an example these days as a welcoming country and although some French people have also been prosecuted because they were with migrants close to a border and accused of helping migrants cross it. We are so so so selfish. We the West who deplete the world's resources, create climate change and refuse to help suffering populations. I don't believe in God, but for those of you who do "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God". Poor Satan is going to have to deal with a heavy, heavy migration of rich and selfish people in the next coming years.
3
Sad that a minority run by an amoral and uncaring failed businessman are pushing their lack of empathy on us. I can only think these people must hate themselves to act the way they do. Civil disobedience will become a way of life for those of us who actually believe that we should love one another as we love ourselves.
2
This is a different take on a previous story in The Times. The first one said she called a friend who was arrested helping an immigrant, the other, an attorney for the Border patrol. This story added seeking advice for medical help, and some quotes from the Bible. She was seeking legal, not medical advice. She didn’t call 911, or the Border patrol seeking emergency medical help. Why. If that woman’s mother was dying, who would she have called? That’s what happened, without the “holy” spin.
1
Can we please have the names of the officials contemplating arresting Ms. Todd, so we may tell them of our views on the matter?
2
Helping others is not something people learn in church. If they did, there would be more Good Samaritans and they are on the endangered species list, last time I looked. It's unnatural not to help others just as it's unnatural to not call for help when you or someone needs it, unless you're suicidal and that's also unnatural. I loved this column and I'd suggest people consult their hearts and conscience more and go to church a little less.
3
The need to mobilize and vote against these antiestablishment Republicans is not just crucial to saving our democratic system of laws. It is now apparent that our ability to be a civilized people is at grave risk.
When the likes of Michele Bachman dares to say out loud that Donald Trump is godly, we have evidence that they define that term to their own twisted purposes and now are using it against all who won’t submit to their worldview. In that way they have perverted the meaning of goodness.
Besides mobilizing to the support of decent progressive candidates, we have to condemn loudly the crazy brand of evil happening before our eyes.
Thanks Nicholas Kristof, once again, for the light you provide in a dark world.
1
This is such a tragic story. I'm saddened that something like this could happen in the United States. It sounds like something that would happen in some third world dictatorship. America has lost it's way.
1
The remote area of Texas where this happened is far more isolated than most of the country. Big Bend National Park is just south and is one of only 11 International Dark Sky parks in the US. I was traveling in that exact part of Texas the night this happened and I will tell you this: it is amazing this hero who stopped could see them at all. It is beyond dark and for the people who drive there there is no “choice” about stopping. You have a conscience, you stop. Her harassment and incarceration seem designed to scare people out of helping anyone in distress and one of her friends told her it already worked once. On those desolate two lane roads between those dark sky, small Texas towns you, and I, would have stopped without question. Then we would have had to give up our phones for analysis and figure out how to get out of jail and then worry about criminal charges. It is a big waste of resources prosecuting those who aim to save lives (Humanitarian Aid Is Not A Crime was a new city mural and lawn sign campaign that filled Tucson this winter/spring). That money and time could be put toward actual services to help migrants.
4
I hope I’m on that (AZ) jury. That AZ man would never be convicted. As to Ms Todd, who’s only “crime” was stopping to help? It’s clear that Border Patrol/ICE Officers can’t recognize someone in need of emergent ICU care. They also can’t find their way back to a path to common decency.
2
As we are all well aware trump loves to punish those that oppose him or do not defend his every action. He was perfectly okay with placing immigrants in detention and their children in cages. He loves to blame "Democrats" for his failures or if they oppose him. What he is doing to Teresa Todd and Scott Warren for their acts of compassion are those of a man who thinks of only himself. These are not the actions of a president of a democracy but of a dictator.
The Declaration of Independence states " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government."
Time for regime change.
2
"Michele Bachmann, the former Republican congresswoman, recently said, “We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.”
I'm a minister. This is the most unfaithful thing I have ever heard coming out of the mouth of someone who claims to be Christian. Set aside what he has done as president, his track record as a human being is reprehensible. If there is anyone who represents the polar opposite of what religious life is about, it is he.
5
‘What country am I in? This is not the United States.’
Many of us are thinking the exact same thing...
2
This is a gut-wrenching story. We are first a member of the human race and only secondly part of a country. To see young people not that removed from childhood, suffering, who would not stop their car and help? It is a crime that the government is thinking of charging Todd. And yes, all religions teach compassion, helping those who are suffering, and empathy towards others. Anyone who prosecutes Todd should be tried as committing a crime against humanity.
4
Those Border Patrol agents knew nothing about the American except that she was with several teenagers. Since they were in her car, the agents assumed she was transporting them somewhere, either as a smuggler or aiding an illegal entry. I'd like to know what their orders were from their supervisors. Did they make the decision to arrest her on their own, or is there a policy that anytime a US citizen is found with illegal entries, he/she should be arrested? I hope she's rewarded for her kindness. All the Christians who read this column should be up in arms.
1
@Daphne
I made the comment specifically about Christians because of the New Testament quotes, but actually everyone should be up in arms.
1
“The whole time I was by the side of the road, I was thinking: What country am I in? This is not the United States.”
I'm sorry, but this is the country it's always been. Hatred of and cruelty to "others" is baked into the DNA of a nation built on the twin pillars of genocide and slavery. *You* and millions might not approve, but this is a behavior consistent with this country's founding and history. It's why I've been encouraging my children to emigrate for years. They can do better. I wish I could say the same about this country.
3
Re Ms. Bachmann and the evangelicals that support Trump policies:
This is why atheism/agnosticism/humanism has recently become the largest faith category in the United States and continues to grow every year. U.S. “Christianity”’s days are numbered, by their own sorry misbeliefs.
2
Ms. Todd and Mr. Warren did the right things. In the long run, they will be rewarded, though in the short run they are being persecuted. It's never wrong to help a fellow human being.
Mr. Trump's aggressive stance toward brown-skinned immigrants is abhorrent.
1
A a physician, I have always trusted acting as a Samaritan would not get me in trouble.
I stop at accidents, and might very well do the same for kids in trouble.
Many years ago, on the way to Cape Cod a car rolled over and men pulled a woman out, and the car burst into flames.
The woman was in coma and I was worried that she had a spinal cord injury.
I helped with her care until the ambulance came, and then rode with her to the hospital, cautioned the EW pone spinal care.
During the ride I told the woman exactly what was happening, where we were going and to hold on , that help was there for her.
Afterward I wondered if my telling her everything had been an ego trip.
Some weeks later I received a phone call. The woman told her physician that she had a strange memory. That she heard a woman's voice in her head telling her what was
happening after the accident. She was told that it was true, and she called me to say how much it helped her hang on to her life.
Actions like those reported by Mr. Kristof rupture trust in your neighbor and the kindness of strangers. I can't tell you how many times in my life a stranger has saved me from myself or from trouble from elsewhere.
i plan to continue to help when I can.
3
This is what happens when evil goes unchecked and runs rampant. No person who calls themselves a Christian would turn their back on a fellow human being in need - it is impossible. It goes against what Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. And even if you are not a Christian, helping your fellow man is the right thing to do. As it has been said, "There but for the grace of God go I."
4
I don't understand this issue. She did not transport them anywhere. She called/texted authorities asking what to do why are they pushing this?
7
The bureaucrats have created these unjustified enforcements. At ‘this point if helping a person or persons who seeks asylum and is in the USA the Asylum seekers have not committed a crime they are just seeking what is the established law. So helping someone who has not committed a crime is not a crime.
7
Bravo to Ms. Todd who acted like a good person should act! Thank you Ms. Todd for reminding us all that Christian, Jew, Muslim, or non-believer, we all have a responsibility to reach out and help those in need! Bravo for your courage and compassion!
10
What I don't understand is what was the crime?
She merely discovered three people and asked other people what to do about it. She did warm them up in her car. But did she transport them? According to the story no. The police and border patrol found her where she found the refuges.
So what was her crime? Letting 3 cold and hungry strangers warm up in her car? Inquiring about what she should do to help them?
Any judge hearing the circumstances should have dismissed any charges immediately. No crime was committed in this act of compassion.
15
Decades ago (1972), my husband and I encountered car trouble in a very remote area of California.We were traveling with small children, ages 4 and 5 weeks.
This was at night and he didn't want to stop a car--and only one had gone by! So we flagged the next car.
The young couple inside was kind enough to take us to their home in Santa Ynez and put us up for a couple of nights while we got the car fixed--head gasket, I think. They stopped because they saw small children. I will always be grateful. Now, I try to pay it forward.
12
@cykler
years ago, I worked as a pilot in Malindi, Kenya. One night, I was driving my little Renault 4 along a deserted road , at night far from the nearest town.
I saw a car stopped, with people inside, by the side of the road, and thought, it could be an ambush. If I stopped, thugs could rush my car to rob, and even kill me.
But I did stop, and it was a family, with children, afraid to try and walk to next town..well there are poisonous snakes too. They were worried anything left in their car would be gone by the morning.
So I piled them all in my car, and took them on to Malindi.
If I had left them there, I would have always wondered what had really happened.
1
Thank you for the motif of the Good Samaritan. Jesus knew the Samaritans worshipped Baal, and so used them to illustrate who is our "neighbor" as much as the Samaritan treated the one in need as neighbor. We are neighbors.
Having lived in South Texas for 25 years, I have learned that there is a borderland, but not a border. It has been a privilege.
12
Oh yes it is the United States, and it’s been getting more and more cruel since Reagan, or maybe Nixon, came into office. Clinton was no exception; he greatly expanded prison privatization, the draconian welfare law, and “three strikes”— all so he could raise taxes enough to get rid of the deficit. Was it worth it. The deficit is back and those evils are still with us. Obama tried to reduce the cruelty but there was still plenty of it, thanks to the Senate’s refusal to consider immigration policy (railing against immigrants is such a reliable vote-getter).
This nation’s dark side is greed, and along with that comes cruelty toward humans and animals, and carelessness toward the natural environment. Rather than trying to address our dark side with some humility our leaders indulge it. (Their Bible is full of warnings about what happens to people and nations when this goes on too long, but they must have skipped that part.)
14
The so-called "religious" right is not religious, as the aptly quoted gospel passages in Mr. Kristof's column demonstrate. The "religious" right cares about one issue-abortion-and they are getting results from Trump and other Republicans on that issue. I take no issue with a person who sincerely believes that abortion is the taking of a human life, but when they fail to understand that Jesus was concerned with more than one issue, and especially taught that we are to love thy neighbor AND thy enemy, then I question their sincerity. One cannot selectively select which of Jesus's teachings are to be followed. Remember the woman caught in adultery-let you without sin cast the first stone. The abortion opponent extremists would do well to remember that gospel passage.
15
Of course doing right by our fellow human beings is a good, decent practice. But does “ God” and faith have to be cited? What this traveler did for others was simply the thing to do. One need not be a religious or observant person of any faith to know that.
6
@Penny It does. Like it or not, a sizable portion of the population votes on religion. It's important to constantly point out to the very people who put Trump in office that he is exactly the type of person Jesus constantly warned his followers about.
10
Clearly, Todd was arrested for practicing her religion. Isn't that a violation of the First Amendment?
15
Yeah, let's take that all the way to the Supreme Court, and let's see how the majority 5 conservative justices contort the 1st Amendment on this issue. The seem to love the 1st Amendment to support discrimination, but not so much to protect civic actions.
Mr. Kristof,
I love the way you inserted scripture into this tragic tale. Thank God for people like Teresa Todd. May God protect all the good Sameritians.
11
An ad should be made following the events refereed to this column, including the Biblical verses, and run daily in every state that went for Trump starting today and continuing to November 3, 2012. Let us see if the Evangelicals have a conscience.
14
Not just this particular story, but the overall tenor of what is happening in our country & current government is both heartbreaking and frightening. The bible quotes and what they illustrate in your article Mr Kristof really go to the heart of the matter. Because someone calls them-self a Christian; because someone goes to Church on Sunday, or wears a cross or lapel pin DOES NOT make them a Christian. Ms. Todd is a Christian - whether she goes regularly to Church or not. And reading Ms. Bachmann's quote was chilling in the darkness it carries. The current president and his cronies are way closer to the anti-Christ than to the Lord Jesus. These are dark times and the only thing that dispels darkness is the Light & Love of God - regardless of the name of the religion.
13
I am from San Diego. Americans think nothing of going across the border to have fun but they disdain the Mexican people. One night, a friend and I were driving home from Puerto Nuevo, a popular destination for the lobster dinners (never mind that the lobsters were fished out long ago and are now imported), which are worth the drive. We were taking the 'free' road home. This road is dark, unlit at night. We came around a curve and saw 3 cars smashed up and on fire. We pulled over and went to the scene to help, pulling people from cars on fire, etc. I cannot go into what a hellish scene that was during the hour it took for ambulances and police to arrive. What I do know is that the partying Americans wove around the mess and kept going. During this hour, only one other person stopped to help. Five people, including 2 babies, died in that wreck.
13
I, like Ms Todd, say daily “What country is this I’m living in?” I try, and often fail, to respond to all those in need around me. But I do keep trying. She is a wonderful person. I aspire to be as brave. She is a Good Samaritan.
15
I read somewhere that Tump wants to have prayer in public schools. That could be problematic if students pray for illegal immigrants or for the enforcement of the War Powers Act or for the peaceful success of Iran/Venezuela. These are all things that many Christians pray for.
9
This country will reap what it is sowing.
10
The law of the United States, not parables from the Bible, should determine the outcome of this case.
3
@No
I agree.
And no laws were broken here. She stopped to help. She warmed them up in her car. But she didn't take them anywhere. She merely asked many people, including a lawyer for ICE what to do. Seems to me if all she did was warm them up in her car and ask for help, that is not a crime. That is least we would expect from our fellow citizens.
8
And who determines the Laws of the United States?
Our society just may be sick enough to make it 'illegal' to help a person dying in the street. But there is no law that could ever make it 'wrong'.
1
Absolutely! Why is it so many “believers” cannot see the simple humanity in giving aid, to folks in need, on such a personal level?
I just do not like what the US is becoming.
I am so embarrassed for our country. This is so NOT what I'd learned in school in the 60s. I guess what I was taught was a bright shining lie. I do know there are examples of good and just throughout our land, but why are they buried in the filth exemplified by trumplodites?
7
So much for being “pro-life”.
17
Let all the Good Samaritans come forth from every city, town, village, and wayside in the desert.
Let all the Good Samaritans of the earth come forth in such numbers as to overwhelm the wickedness of the Trump administration with a love of God and neighbor so great that all manner of goodness shall prevail,
That the poor, the migrant, and the stranger who are treated as the refuse of the earth shall be lifted up and given refuge from their present travail,
That the mountains of hatred and towers of injustice that corrupt the corridors of power shall be reduced to heaps of rubble,
That those infected with false pride shall be made humble and the cruel of heart brought to their knees in penance,
That the mighty who through their laws and levies have forsaken the ways of God’s justice shall be made accountable to the meek who day and night cry for mercy,
That the righteous through acts of loving kindness shall transform the bitter fruits of those who have willfully sown the seeds of death and destruction,
Let the Good Samaritans of the earth come forth.
Let them come forth from the far and near reaches of the soil beneath their feet,
Let them come forth in great numbers with their hearts open and their hands engaged to serve,
Let them come forth now.
Let them come forth.
Let them come.
6
For Trump and his followers, the point is cruelty plain and simple. "Basket of deplorables" doesn't even come close to the evil they inflict.
16
I cannot imagine driving past someone signaling for water and leaving them in my rearview mirror. Drive with water in your car, Texans, and do not leave a person to perish.
20
Not stopping to help would bring you into legal trouble in many countries, e.g. Germany.
11
What happened to Christianity in this country? They see the cruelty and racism of Trump and identify with it, claim it as their own. I wonder how many have actually read the bible that they bludgeon the rest of us with while having no clue what is in it.
12
Americans have lost the sense of humanity.
Watch the film by German director Wim Wenders " A man of his words " about the pope Francis. It is on Netflix.
2
Who and what are we becoming? M Bachman's comments regarding Trump's Christianity read like a sad joke.
10
would love to be the fly on the cloud when Trump and Bachman arrive at the pearly gates
Thank you, Ms. Todd.
7
Speaking about Trump, “We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.” -Michele Bachmann
Odd. Trump has repeatedly proven himself to be less Godly, and less biblical, than even those Westboro folks. If I ever saw that woman, I'd be compelled to inquire what color the sky is in her world.
Welcome to the Idiocracy, y'all.
6
In the United States, the rule of law Trumps a Christian parable.
1
What happened to the Good Samaritan law in the US?
In France, there is a law - “Non-assistance a une personne en danger” - if you do NOT assist someone whose life is in danger (as this young 18 year old’s was), you can be prosecuted?
I do not recognize my country any more.....
316
@Overseas American
The Border Patrol Agent and the Sheriff's Deputy did this on their own...they showed no compassion or understanding at all. OK, they got the girl to a hospital and then arrested her and put her in a cage with her brothers. Do not be surprised if the future holds that most so called law enforcement agents and officers (ICE included) will give no thought to compassion or understanding when it comes to immigrants in need of help and a good Samaritan comes along to provide assistance. They will arrest and
put them in jail. Is America taking the first baby steps
in becoming a Gestapo state?... The 2020 election will, for sure, show American Citizens (and Green Card Holders) which direction this country will be headed. Don't think it can't happen here...It is already happening...Mr Trump has already taken control of the FBI, DOJ, the Republican Party and other agencies...what is still part of the America I love is the Democratic Party, most of the Independents, the Federal Judges and MAYBE the Supreme Court. God blessed the Good Samaritan...what would God say to the Border Patrol Agent and the Sheriff's Deputy...I don't know, but I believe the Agent and the Deputy would say... "Sir, I was just following orders"
12
@Overseas American Unfortunately, the French authorities also arrest and condemn people and organizations for helping sometimes desperate refugees. One of the famous cases is in the Roya Valley in the French Alps near the Italian border. Since the authorities have made it much more difficult for refugees to cross the border near the Mediterranean, people try to go inland and over the Alps, even in winter, where they run into trouble. Several people have been condemned for helping them. It's happening all over France.
3
Thank goodness I'm British!
3
The parable of the Samaritan is so apt. The Pharisee could not bring himself to say "the Samaritan" because they were a hated people to the Jews, and to acknowledge them would have been anathema to him. Those who would prosecute for basic human kindness are just as hateful.
6
Donald Trump is an evil man who only respects the profit motive. For him, helping save an illegal's life is actually more threatening than exploiting an illegal for profit - he understands the latter but not the former.
The Republican party has officially sworn off compassion. They fully support President Scrooge. The excuse is, "we can't afford it". It all boils down to their belief that taxes are evil and the biggest sin of all.
5
Trump's heart is full of selfishness and hate. Trump's supporters' hearts, and most of the GOP's hearts, are full of hate. Yet most of them make some pretense to be Christian and follow Christ whose heart was full of love. Where is the disjunct? What is wrong with these people?
6
Some times violating the law is the right thing to do.
5
The quote that was beyond the pale in this important piece of reporting was the one by Michelle Bachmann. Do folks believe such mirages? Does this lady believe her own words?
6
You can go further back, all the way to Sophocles' Antigone. Antigone defies egotistical Trump-alike Creon to bury her brother -- enemy of Creon -- and follow natural law, doing what is right. The people of Thebes support Antigone, not Creon, and in his execution of Antigone, he is ruined. Ms. Todd seems to be the modern-day Antigone.
5
@Lucinda Edmunds
See NYT--- A Chorus Remembers Michael Brown in ‘Antigone in Ferguson’. Ben Brantley.
Article says "As for Creon, who lost his family and his kingdom through the rash and arbitrary enforcement of law, at least one speaker — a member of the Man Up! Inc. community outreach program in East Brooklyn — perceived a very specific contemporary parallel.
“When I see that king in that play,” he said, “the first name that came to mind was Donald Trump: arrogance, misogyny, tunnel vision.”
This play was shown on TV also.
It is a shame to see people who live their faith penalized while people who are all hot air walking around congratulating themselves. Thankfully God sees all.
You forgot a verse...
“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17
3
Bit by bit our government is killing off what once made us great. We should be figuring out how to accommodate these desperate people.
Last time I checked we are all immigrants. The way we treat people at the southern border feels like something Joseph Stalin would endorse.
3
The police who stopped her saw a Caucasian with a car full of Hispanics, pulled over to the side of the road. This is a classic scenario for the smuggling of immigrants, so they investigated. She told her story, it was verified, and she was released with no charges being filed.
Seems to me the system worked. The people in the country illegally are in ICE custody, the young lady was hospitalized and is now better, and Ms. Todd is uncharged. I see no issue with the police investigating a suspicious set of circumstances.
3
@mikecody You left out the part where she was detained in a holding cell for three hours.
1
@mikecody
she was arrested, and put in a holding cell. Normal for helping someone?
reading the earlier article it says,
" she became the focus of an investigation that could lead to federal criminal charges."A spokesman for the Border Patrol said the incident remains “an active case,” but declined further comment, as did the United States attorney’s office."
1
@Maggie She was suspected of smuggling immigrants. It took a certain amount of time to clear that up. Releasing her OR would have been a bad move had she been guilty, as she would not be likely to be found then.
Many persons, myself included, have been held by police while they investigate something and are then released when everything is cleared up. It is no big deal.
“We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.”
Amen to that.
2
Thanks to Teresa Todd for overriding the endless hype and shrieking about the "dangers" posed by immigrants (not Russian immigrants, of course, just those from Central and South America), and extending care and help to these young men.
Tangentially: will we ever stop identifying women as "single moms?"
5
Why quote Michele Bachmann in any context ever?
You only spread poison and it goes further.
Someone has to say no.
3
We've been taught to view immigrants as criminals, invaders, terrorists, animals. It's like the old rule about feeding stray dogs - don't do it, because you'll just attract more of them.
This isn't exclusive to immigrants; it involves the homeless, the poor, the sick, the suffering. We're aware these people exist, and at some level we realize they're suffering, but we really don't want to see them in front of our homes or on our way to work. If we see them, we might feel somewhat uncomfortable that we have it so good and they don't, and so we demand to be protected from that discomfort.
Far too many of us have forgotten or else abandoned the simple message Jesus gave us: Love one another. We're more concerned with following rules, keeping our yards tidy and our carpets clean, and keeping "those people" from ruining this fantastic life we've made for ourselves. We would rather shoot a hungry thief who tries to steal our bread than ask him to join us for lunch.
I, too, thank Teresa Todd for her humanity - and for showing us how utterly simple it is to be Christlike. Or, as some like to say, a decent human.
366
@TL Mischler
Do you suppose that perception creeps up the economic ladder?
@TL Mischler
TL, you are a great Human Being. Let's remember to look for this trait in the upcoming decision as to who will lead us.
5
@TL Mischler... I don't know why this is a NYT "pick." "We" doesn't exist because "I" haven't been taught that - I've only heard about it. And, yes, you feed pigeons - you're gonna get more. Duh. Anyway, you go on to compare people to animals and no one shouts you down? Interesting. As is you're speaking of YOUR discomfort with "seeing" some things... Things which do involve crime, drug use, etc. - with a decline in property values, security, peace of mind for others... Look, take anyone you want to your house and see how that works out. Jesus never did that AND he had the POWER to cast out demons, raise the dead, and all that. The rest of us, we have to live our lives wondering why the people we'd like to love treat us so badly. I pay for the space I sleep in... That guy won't? I do pick up my trash... That guy won't? And I suffer all the downsides of someone else's behavior and that person feels nothing for my problems? No, I don't see how this is a NYT "pick..." All the way down to "we'd" rather shoot someone than ask them to lunch.... Huh? Have you noticed THEY aren't asking? There's the rub.
Ms. Todd and others like her could argue that they are being persecuted for practicing the tenets of their religion. As the parable of the Good Samaritan forms a partial basis for Christian behavior, it is shored up by the Beatitudes, amongst which is one which states, "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice". In addition, Christ's exhortation that, "Whatsoever you do for the least of my brethren, you do for me", requires such compassion from practicing Christians. To deny someone the right to practice these religious directives goes against their First Amendment rights.
343
@Dollfish Though I’m sympathetic to Ms. Todd, I find the notion that she should be exempt from prosecution because she was practicing her religion to be quite dangerous.
Courts have held for many years that religious belief doesn’t nullify civil law. The hypocrite evangelicals who now control many parts of our government are working hard to overturn that precept and, in effect, turn us into a Christian nation. We should do nothing to abet them.
25
@Dollfish
Teresa L. Todd, thank you for restoring my faith in humanity. Your story should be told over and over again.
I am glad you have two children. The example you set for your sons will have a ripple effect. Your compassion for others will continue to grow and spread.
Thank you
29
@Dollfish Brilliant defense!
7
Like so many sympathetic German's who helped shelter Jews from the Nazi's, Ms. Todd put others before her in a selfless, and, considering the current circumstances, "heroic" act. Under the purportedly "Christian" regime of Trump and the GOP, common decency is a rare commodity as they endeavor to push their own brand of American exceptionalism under the cloak of Christian values. Please don't insult our intelligence by espousing all things biblical while persecuting the poor, needy, and non-conformers.
Like the German citizens turning a blind eye to what was happening to the Jews, history will be a harsh judge of us all if we don't rebel against this oppressive regime any way we can.
Ms Todd's intuition compelled her to help and probably saved a life. Isn't that one of many initiatives espoused by the GOP, to protect human life? Or is it just American human life? Imagine if she was awarded a medal instead of a criminal charge? Our society would be so much better for it.
Hopefully there will be a Go Fund Me campaign, if so, I'm in!
5
Recently a new neighbor knocked on my door because he did not have food. In Big Sur all long-term residents have a stash of emergency supplies because storm conditions/land slides/etc. can cut us off from the rest of the world. Of course, I gave him some food.
Teresa Todd did what any honorable person would do: If someone needs a helping hand, you extend your hand in any way you can.
Even we atheists know this!
422
@John Galuszka This has nothing to do with Christianity or any other religion. This is humanity acting humanely. Thank you for pointing this out!
50
@John Galuszka
I find that atheists, unencumbered by doctrine, are very often more christian (in the larger sense) than those loudly proclaiming themselves 'Christian'. In fact, some of the most christian people I know happen to be Muslim.
43
@VJBortolot
Indeed, human compassion does'n belong to any single faith group. Human decency is a universal value, especialy in our modern open border multicultural world.
Don't build walls on borders, don't even build a wall around the White House !!...
Convert political leadership to human decency values.
Remember:
"... by the people for the people" ??
18
Apparently right to life only matters before someone is born.
11
You don't need to be an evangelical christian to know about the parable of the Good Samaritan. It's one of the simplest and clearest stories of human kindness ever written. The question is, why have the evangelicals abandoned this kind of parable to support punishment of a Good Samaritan?
415
@Tom J
Because they're hypocrites.
36
@Tom J
Because they are hypocrites, always have been, always will be and will rernain so until they are consigned to that fiery region where they believe all that reject their credo will go.. surprise!
27
Thank you for your comment and your clarity.
11
“This is all about trying to chill the willingness of people to help others,” Todd said. “A friend told me, ‘The other day, someone tried to flag me down by the side of the road and waved an empty water bottle, and I thought about what happened to you and didn’t stop.’”
This is the point - to make the rest of us afraid to help the people singled out by this administration; to stop seeing their plight as potentially ours. If we let that happen, just read holocaust history for the ugly slope and behaviors we could slide into.
10
Did you ask what party she voted for? As the internet meme goes- “I never thought jackals would eat my face” says woman who voted for the Jackals Eating Peoples Faces party.
4
The moral depravity of what happened to Ms Todd is obvious. But the legal aspect of the matter is also outrageous. Do we now have to ask for people's passports or proof of legal residence before we engage with them in ways other than employing them? Do most Americans carry proof of citizenship with them? Are they even required by law to do so? Do we need to investigate the immigration status of people in danger before we extend help?
This is both despicable callousness and grotesque stupidity.
10
@A.P.P.
We can thank the most corrupt, racist, bigoted president and his spineless party. Power and fear over country and people!
Michele Bachman exemplifies well the delusional thinking that has overtaken Trump supporters. "Biblical"? Yeah, maybe, like a plague of locusts is biblical. But "godly" ? You gotta be face down in the cool-aid to swallow that one.
12
Ms. Todd is exemplary of how one behaves when she practices the true fundamentals of Christian faith. I am not religious but I grew up with parents and grandparents who were, and their instruction always focused on the idea that serving others is the best way to serve God.
People of all faiths, as well as those with no religious belief at all, practice the ideals of the Good Samaritan, whether it is a part of their moral education or not. Ms. Todd reminds us that sometimes we must march into hell for a heavenly cause.
While this month states have begun to punish women who need abortions, Trump and other Republican leaders all over the nation have also re-codified laws to punish those who do good things. They are as far from the moral pillars of a Good Samaritan as they can be. We must now break laws to save lives.
The Bible was right. The anti-Christs are truly able to fool people into believing they are faithful simply by professing it.
7
Toxic America is deleting it's moral fortitude and worthiness account. No problem... it has been all fake since inception.
United States of Aggravated Assault on Freedom... a disguised police state run by special interest groups behind closed doors. The only thing hindering an all out revolution is your fear of losing the scraps they throw at you every two years while choosing who will apparently represent you.
The undisclosed ennemy is within and closely related to Pentagon, law enforcment, sales of weapon production, penal industrial complex and waging war at someone or something. Drugs, poors, non-white, non-Christian, trade defficit or non american tech. But never at Big Corp money, K Street and U.S. Media conglomerates interfering with every American elections since WWII.
“My guiding principle is this : Guilt is never to be doubted” Franz Kafka wrote in his 1919 short story : 'In the Penal Colony'.
Kafka has a very powerful community of followers in United States of Amnesia.
1
"i put him all into my arms
and staggered banged with terror through
a million billion trillion stars."
1
Did anyone else want to throw up when they read Michele Bachmann's quote? That's Christianity summed up perfectly in the US: hate other people except those who believe and judge exactly the way you do. I know from experience. I grew up in a religious right home. There was nothing there but judgment. Nothing.
If we lived our lives in fear like they do we would no longer abide by compassion and love for our fellow man. Ms. Todd shows us the way, rooted deeply in respect for humankind and a real faith.
504
I did. It was despicable.
42
@TripleJRanch
For Bachmann to refer to Trump as "godly, biblical" was utterly beyond the pale for me. For me, Ms. Todd exemplifies humanity and Christian spirit.
79
@TripleJRanch actually she is half right. Trump is not godly, but he reminds me of Herod when he ordered the slaughter of the innocents.
25
After reading this article, it struck me that we have not heard one peep from Billy Gram Jr. Just where is the so called man of god now? Where are the platitudes he loves to bestow at the foot of his new Messiah, lord trump.
4
I think that the scripture of '1 John 4:20' is the most important part of the article, aside from the real compassion of people and the way those who call themselves Christian just plain are not.
"Whoever claims to love God but hates his brother or sister (fellow humans) is a liar"
my parenthesis for clarity, if anyone should think that 'Brother and sister' excludes any human, it excludes No One, if you hold hatred in your heart for others, then there is no way that you can be a REAL Christian, more like a loud, bigoted charlatan as we have in some high offices now.
4
From the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12)
2
So I guess if you stop to help someone, you should question their immigration status before providing aid, even if it's a life-or-death emergency. (sarcasm)
4
Thank you for helping. And shame on anyone who doesn't support you. I don't care what President Trump wants- we have to treat people as people. When Trump is no longer in office we will all breathe a sigh of relief.
This is sadly too close to the history of behavior seen in Europe in the early 1940s. Here Trump is espousing treating people as animals and not as people. Let us rise above that barbarism. If everyone had objected in Europe as Hitler ran roughshod , the result would have been quite different.
5
Its really not that complicated to see what her crime was. She found illegal migrants and took them into her car. She did NOT call the authorities who are authorized to detain and treat them. She called her friends for advice instead. She was therefore contravening the established immigration statutes. She may have been a nice person, but NOT calling the authorities in this situation is akin to aiding and abetting a crime. Its pretty obvious to me. This has nothing to do with being a good Christian. A good Christian obeys the law.
2
@ross
Jim Crow was the law. Good Christians disobeyed it.
5
@AT, Indeed, Christ disobeyed the laws, numerous times. That, I've always understood, was kind of the point. Ross and others would rather hide behind some secular law than face the troubling reality of being a human being. It's always "obvious" to them - "problem solved," etc.
@ross So the first thing you do in an emergency when adrenaline is high, your responses are heightened and someone is in trouble and seems to have a life threatening condition, is to call the authorities first? Come on.
The ironies in our political life at the moment become more and more overwhelming to contemplate. Ms. Todd gets arrested for trying to save a life in Texas. In the meantime, the Trump administration and our attorney general attorney general will do their best to make sure that the ACA (or Obamacare) is declared unconstitutional and overturned, costing millions of people their health insurance. Some of those people will die as a result. But yesterday, governor Kay Ivey of Alabama justified signing into law a bill that bans virtually all abortions because "To the bill’s many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God.” Apparently that "reverence for all life" applies only to people not yet born. It doesn't apply to people who are already here, especially if they are poor, people of color, or desperate immigrants seeking asylum. In 2019 in America, many people who believe that "every life is a sacred gift from God" behave as though life begins at conception but ends at birth.
18
Is there a way to contribute to Scott Warren's or Teresa Todd's legal defense?
6
@anne Todd has not been indicted, so there is no defense to contribute to. She is her county and town's attorney, so I think can muster defense if she needs it. I rather hope she is tried so the authorities can be put in their place. She may also want to consider civil action against the authorities. This entire incident is an outrage.
9
This is Trump's United States.
6
@Neal Obstat: Not just Trump's either. This kind of thing has been going on for years, including under Democratic administrations. Trump is certainly pumping it up to maximum hysteria, but none of it is brand new.
@Neal Obstat
Indeed and more,
This is the people supported Trump-Pence United States.
Thank God for Donald Trump !!! Cough Cough...
1
As the recent ten-year reveal of the man's taxes make clear: "BEWARE OF FALSE PROFITS."
11
Many countries of Europe have some version of Duty to Rescue. Failing to render assistance - or at least to notify the authorities of someone in distress - is against the law.
Perhaps the US should aspire to this.
11
Where were the Catholics and Christians in Germany during WWII? On the battlefront.
4
@RAZ: Those who were not on the battlefront went about their daily business, making sure to look the other way as railroad cars loaded with Jews and other ‘undesirables’ clattered by on their way to the death camps and plumes of smoke rose from the crematoriums. Some betrayed their neighbors in hopes of profiting by it... as happened to my father’s sister, a woman who died in one of the camps a decade before I was born here in the U.S.
Millions of ‘law abiding, good Germans’ would later claim ‘we didn’t know.’ If you buy that, I’ve got a bridge in Brooklyn I’m offering for sale.
@RAZ, actually, at least a few devout Catholics and other Christians risked their own lives to help some Jews (my family included) escape from Germany and Nazi-held territory. They too were breaking laws and taking risks. I think it's not the Christians, but the christianists that you refer to.
Such a large part of America's Christian community has invited itself to be owned by a political party, bringing shame on themselves and diminishing the faith.
Whoever claims to love God but hates his brother or sister is a liar. 1 John 4:20
13
Mr. Kristof, thank you for laying out the facts in this case. Until now, previous reports gave the impression that Ms. Todd acted as part of an aid movement to help migrants crossing the border to enter the US. Your story shows that her involvement with the migrants was a chance encounter and that she only assisted them to get medical attention for the girl.
6
Wait a minute. She was suspected of human smuggling with illegal aliens in her car by the side of the road. The agents did not know that she stopped to help them. They came upon a car with an American citizen and three illegal aliens. She was taken into custody so they could sort out what happened. She has not been charged. She did the right thing. The agents did their job. I appreciate Nicholas Kristof's writing and his passion for compassion. But turning this into a story about how Trump arrested a Good Samaritan (the headline for your post on this story) is simply divisive. Dealing with illegal immigration on the border is a difficult and emotional issue. Border patrol has an impossible job. Citizens who help are put in a tough spot. Headlines may get readers, but this does nothing to address the real issues of legal and illegal immigration.
2
@Tom Nicholson: Is that true, though? She texted a lawyer for the Border Patrol: maybe that didn't have anything to do with the Border Patrol showing up. Or maybe it did. It doesn't really make that much difference though, the point is, you're right, they were just doing their job, which involves preventing people from giving assistance to migrants. As you say, the Border Patrol has an impossible job, or it should be seen as impossible. Unfortunately, plenty of people are glad to do it, and plenty of people are glad to have them doing it.
5
Bully politics, blatant powers for aggression, seem to run in 30-50 year cycles. Each generation has to learn the hard way, harder with less emphasis on science (disease, infrastructure) and art (international) education. How to speed that up for today's voters?
I practice law right on the Border. Have we all missed that Ms. Todd is a law officer in her own right as the county attorney of a Texas county. She should have told the deputy that the three were in her custody and to either back off or follow her as a escort while she resolved this matter. If he refused, she should have told him that he is interfering with a lawful arrest.
We see some really craze stuff here on the Texas/Mexico border.
3
Ms. Todd is not only a mother and person with a heart and a brain, she is the attorney for her county and town, which I believe are both elected offices. I am guessing that she showed her bar card and business cards when she identified herself. And THIS is who the authorities chose to arrest? Sheesh!
7
So, before I assist someone, I must determine if they are here legally? How should I go about that? If I need assistance, will I be called upon to first prove my citizenship/immigration status? What if I were white? Would I still need to prove I belong? Will we expect EMTs to verify immigration status and deny first-response care if those hurt in an accident are unable to prove legal status? Has America lost all common sense? How about common decency?
27
What is happening to this country? Will we make it to the next election?
11
I’m was raised Christian but no longer even try to believe, but I could separate the wheat from chaff when it comes to real Christian principles.
3
"Referring to Trump, Michele Bachmann, the former Republican congresswoman, recently said," “We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.”
What does that say about their god or the god that many religious people say they believe in? Well they can keep that god. I do not want any part of a god like that.
18
@Bernard Waxman: I keep wanting to say, why do people even talk about this Bachmann person, this malignant kook? But the unfortunate reality is, she is a significant figure, a lot of people take her seriously, and what she says matters.
1
@Bernard Waxman Amen!
1
I cannot understand how anyone can claim to be Christian and support this president. Every action he takes is the exact opposite of Christian values. This argument that God sent him as a tool to get rid of abortion is unbelievable. You can do anything evil to anyone and it's ok, just pass a law against abortion (which won't work anyhow but allows them to feel self-righteous)?
15
Ms. Todd’s act of courage is inspirational an important example for others to follow. The NYT should publish more stories of regular folk willing to help those in need despite possible repercussions. The cruel machinations dished out by Trump and his ilk need to be challenged. We all know in our hearts (religious or not) kindness, aid and comfort to those in need is simply the right thing to do. I’ve come to realize that Trump, his ilk and most of the billionaire classes are “parasites”. They feed off the weak and those less powerful, pillaging and taking whatever they want despite the resultant impoverishment, pain, suffering and cruelty they cause to their fellow human beings. They just don't care.
It’s got to end. I’m hoping Ms. Todd and all “decent” Americans are able to take back their country. Defy the cruelty, speak out, engage in acts of mercy and kindness and most importantly - vote out the “parasites”.
15
With all due respect, this is a dishonest article. People in this country don't get arrested for ostensibly no reason. The reason may be wrong, or itself dishonest, and the police action misguided or in error, but surely they had a reason in their heads. What was it? What law is she alleged to have broken? You don't even try to guess.
It seems that there is no law that I can conceive of that would subject her actions to arrest. But it would be nice to know, before you rush to mushy judgment, what the other side of the story is, the opposing view as it were. Of course, your approach is par for the course in the MSM today: present no opposing views, no alternative interpretation, however that might be incorrect and untenable. In your world, an opposing view does not exist. The superiority of your sole judgment is too obvious for all that quaint nonsense.
Beyond that, wrapping yourself in the Bible is manufacturing cheap sentiment. Resist the temptation.
6:36 am Thursday
2
@John Xavier III. It's against the law to help people crossing the border into the US at points in the border that are not entry points. That was the reason for her arrest. The reason it's not stated is that almost everyone is aware of this law.
6
@John Xavier III
"People in this country don't get arrested for ostensibly no reason," you say. Tell this to a black person.
6
The crime likely is that she aided an illegal act. Like if she drove a robbers getaway car... being an accessory is itself a crime
Ask Jerry Falwell jr and Franklin Graham, “what would Jesus do?”
3
Republicans have turned the USA into third-world banana republic.
10
@Gene Eplee: I wish we could just point the finger at the Republicans. Unfortunately, our immigration policies, and the authoritarian behavior that goes along with them, have been a problem under Democratic adminstrations also. I won't say they are just as bad, but they have been bad. This is a bipartisan problem.
To understand Trump, open your Bible or do a Google search for John 8:44.
Shame, Michelle Bachman. You are the false prophet we were warned about.
6
This sounds like what happened in Germany in the late 30's. If you helped a Jew, you could be arrested. Nice going, America.
14
This situation reminds me of how the Nazis not only sent Jews, Roma, homosexuals, etc. to labor and death camps, but also people who tried to help them.
This is the same situation, here, in America. It is going to take guts to be "Good American."
12
Ms Todd is my hero. I want to be just like her.
The Nazis strategized how to dehumanize non-Aryans in the media on a daily basis so that "Aryans" (AKA German ciizens) wouldn't help them: how is that different than the Border Control hiding under immoral laws saying Americans should not help suffering people? Immigrants are people and to Ms Todd especially, vulnerable children. We are sliding toward a Nazi future faster than we realize if we don't repeal the laws that permitted her arrest.
9
Teresa Todd could have called 911 to ask for the border patrol and an ambulance.
1
@ann
So what. She also could have done what she did - provide an immediate humane and reasonable response toward another human being in distress.
9
@ann. You are assuming there is cell service. You're assuming she took time to think through the options. When confronted by young people in serious medical trouble I wouldn't take too much time before action. The border police came upon her quickly, too, it seems.
5
@ann, and then what? Let the child languish and possibly die in the custody of ICE as other children have already.
2
It's interesting that Trump talks about immigrants being murderers and rapist and forces us to let sufering people die. How low must we go to satisfy the fears of these Trump people. How far from Jesus must we find ourselves. How can this be even the slightest bit Christian to condone murder and rape by forcing these people to leave the meager safety of our country. We have indeed lost our humanity. We have no shame.
7
Meanwhile, gun-toting members of an illegal militia Roman the Border terrorizing Asylum Seekers.
6
Jesus wouldn't even be elected dogcatcher in this country, especially in Trumpistan.
12
Ahhh,
Another example of just how "Christiany" the baby Christian is; I am sure all his faux-Christian/aJesus gospel of wealth theologians will give him a thumbs up!
3
If Trump is the most godly and the most biblical president, then the Bible is officially garbage.
13
My goodness America, where is yours going?
Sold for a profit, but is priceless says any real Prophet.
You cannot sell that within resides well,
The good things have made and kind wisdoms laid.
But what say you Now? What think your Peers?
What is predicted by the wise, learned Seers?
If continue like this in the future so Near,
At the end of that day it will all end in Tears.
Perhaps now the time for a greater Comunion,
To make better and good the State of the Union.
3
Like everything else, our claim to Christian principles is mutable. We pick and choose what we want to consider Christian.
Our legal system is not based on morals, and not enforced based on morality. Ms. Todd recognized that, and acted in a Christian manner, regardless.
Civil disobedience is doing the right thing, peacefully and accepting the consequences, to make it clear to others that a situation is mired in deep and immoral injustices. Kudos to Ms. Todd for her compassion, and her clear indication to the rest of us about what we are called to do.
And of course, there is another circle of hell waiting for the perpetrators of our current inhumane policy, who'd rather see people die on their journey as an inhibition and warning to others, rather than exercise the necessary humanity.
10
Thank you for sharing Teresa Todd's story.
I loved the interweaving of The Good Samaritan parable.
According to Luke's account, Jesus was telling the story in response to a question posed by "an expert in religious law."
Here's the question the expert asked of Jesus: "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus' answer was a simple one. Love God. Love your neighbor.
But the expert in religious law, "seeking to justify himself" asked a follow-up question: "And who is my neighbor?"
In response, Jesus told the story that we know as The Good Samaritan.
Especially considering the circumstances of Teresa Todd's arrest, it's crucial to keep in mind who Jesus was interacting with.
Christians who are aware of The Good Samaritan story most likely have no idea who Jesus was talking to. If Jesus were telling this same story today, he'd be telling it to the Border Patrol officer who arrested Ms. Todd, to ICE officers who surreptitiously arrest undocumented immigrants, to those in the White House and Congress who are hell-bent on hating anyone who doesn't look or think like them and evangelicals who condone such blatantly unchristian/inhumane behavior.
What is happening in the US and with us that people who are being 21st Century samaritans wind up being prosecuted?
10
Thank you for these New Testament verses, Nick. I am not religious, although I was raised as a Roman Catholic. Yet the ethical teachings of the New Testament define the path that I wish to follow. I deviate far too often; but I know the path.
Ms. Todd is a fine human being who deserves only the highest commendation. Those who would prosecute her should consider that laws under which they prosecute fly in the face of the teachings of every major religion in our contemporary world. Maybe ALL the religions in our contemporary world, in fact.
13
The Right and Evangelicals justify forcing a woman to have a child because “all life is precious” but with rank hypocrisy let children die in detention on the southern border and lock up anyone trying to help save a “precious human life”. The sanctimonious Georgia governor and her male senators are examples of this rot of hypocrisy and disgusting immoral justification for forcing human beings into a life of penury and suffering, having children they cannot afford and do not want.
Oh yes, “all life is precious” as long as you are white middle class and sitting in the state house. All others can die and go to hell.
10
@Cranford Well said.
1
Teresa Todd is a heroine! Americans are compassionate and our first instincts are to help those in desperate situations.Already four children have died at the border while in American custody.Hundreds more children have been separated from their families and not been reunited.This represents Trump’s callous attitude toward immigrants and his administrations efforts to punish them.Ms.Todd saved a life- who among us would not welcome such caring if we were unfortunate enough to be in extreme distress?
9
Thank you, Ms. Todd. You were the first American these young people encountered. Thank you for helping these young adults in need and for giving the world the right impression of Americans.
516
Mr. Kristof doesn't mention that the border patrol was looking to charge her with human smuggling. Outrageous.
The Good Samaritan is arguably the most important Biblical passage. It is the one where Jesus describes the way to eternal life, i.e. the most essential purpose of Christian religious teachings.
What is the way to eternal life? a man asks Jesus. The reply: love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. Then the man asks, how do I love my neighbor? Jesus replies with the Good Samaritan parable.
Imagine a world where Christians lived this teaching as the core of their faith. Instead we live in a world where a man cannot even bring himself to bake a cake for someone he doesn't like and claims this is his core religious beliefs. And Mike Pence bemoans religious intolerance against Christians while the border patrol arrests the Good Samaritan.
684
what have we become ?
where are we heading ?
what will we be ?
Ms Todd not only asked "quo vadis ",
but answered it.
If our society is to survive and prosper,
in reparation for the actions of all our leaderless politicians,
and in a movement of peaceful , quiet protest,
lets all today perform an act to help a person in
obvious need, whom we might otherwise ignore.
And every day.
30
@DB
This type of kindness is encouraged by all religions, not just Christianity. Please remember, Jesus was Jewish and he was teaching the essence of Judaism. It's still the essence of Judaism.
15
@DB
The Good Samaritan story is indeed important. It also is an explicitly anti-Jewish polemic. I wish this otherwise exemplary piece hadn't reinforced the false stereotype that Christians care more than Jews about ethics and morality.
The only slightly good news here on the comment side is that I had to read about 100 comments before I came to John in Naples who may or may not have read Kristof's text in its entirety. In any case,
Enough of you have replied directly to John that I need not do that.
Instead, I will point to the Teresa L. Todd incident as illustrating the extremes to which American officials and agencies are ready to go to. I just finished Ali Smith's "Spring" in which she brilliantly portrays the lesser lengths they go to in the UK and the ultimate cost to people like the sheriff's deputy of having to do what they do.
At least one comment writer raised that question, the question what becomes of officials who do as the anonymous sheriff's deputy did?
Ali Smith introduces this question by following Brit, a woman who is part of the British system. There must be American novelists working on novels treating the same question as concerns Trump's enforcers.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
3
Where's the outrage and defiance of federal law from the so-called "pro-life" movement in this scenario?
15
@AJ, it ain’t there. It’s not there after the birth. It’s only there when they are on their knees or in front of a microphone. Hypocrites!
First came Abu Gahrab and the torture scandals, coupled with extreme rendition, sanctioned by the US government and sold to us that these things were necessary for national security. Now we have continued inhumanity with the border situation and ICE actions. Once upon a time America stood for better things, but we, as a nation, have devolved into something that we once reviled and have become inured to the suffering of "the other", both here and abroad. Somewhere along the way we lost our humanity. We might be strong militarily, but we are weak morally and are spiritually bankrupt as a nation, otherwise, we would not have the leadership that we have now.
21
@Tom Clemmons - and interestingly, the vocal "I'm all about Christianity" Republicans are at the core of these abominable anti-Beatitudes policies.
2
It's pretty sad when doing the right thing and helping others is considered a crime, but obstructing justice is not.
25
@Gin
It is what MAGA really means.
2
Ms. Todd faces federal indictment for helping people. Trump is excused from indictment for helping himself.
Let’s stop asking what Jesus would and start asking what, how and why nearly half the electorate still approves of this guy.
49
@Sle. Because they want to be like him and get away with what he gets away with. People are not generally as good as Ms. Todd is, no matter what Christianity they espouse.
6
The sad thing is that the people who most need to hear what Kristof has to say are deaf. They've been deaf for a long time.
Back in the fifties and sixties, Clarence Jordan, Southern Baptist Minister and founder of Koinoinia Farms in Americus, Georgia, an integrated community which later gave birth to Habitat for Humanity, used to preach sermons based on updated versions of the parables of Jesus.
In his telling of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a man traveling from Atlanta to Albany is robbed and wounded and left by the side of the road and the men who pass him by are Baptist ministers.
The man who stops to help him, the outcast, the one who takes the role of the Samaritan, is African-American.
Not surprisingly Jordan was drummed out of the Southern Baptist Church.
43
Altho it was written and quoted beautifully, I repeat that who we are as a nation, as people, is how we treat our neighbors and strangers. Theresa Todd is a human being doing what is right for another human being. Imagine a world with this way of seeing and treating others as ourselves. My mother used to say, the best you are is how you treat your housekeeper.
32
I am in tears. That we have fallen so far. That a man of no depth, with no moral center or ethical standard, a man of low intellect (I say this based on his impulsivity, inability to understand the complexity of the issues and decisions made by the Office of the President, his limited vocabulary, his refusal to expose his taxes and school records, etc.) has been given the power, is supported in the abuse of the power, to turn our every relationship, foreign and domestic, into adversarial confrontations leading to, perhaps, the demise of our democracy and any hope for world peace. We aren't going to get ahead of climate change. It isn't going to happen, there is not enough political will, too much political fear. I am almost 70 years old and not sorry I won't be around to see where this will all end. It breaks my heart to be giving up hope, but each day it becomes more difficult to see light at then end. And I am terrified for the future of my 14 year old grandson. I fear so much for the world he is growing up into and it makes my heart so heavy.
63
I feel your pain, especially being the same age as you and knowing I won’t be around to see how it all ends. But please don’t give up hope. There is an election coming up. Take action on one thing-register people to vote, or continue to write letters to newspapers, or donate to an environment cause, or believe justice will be served. Things will get worse before they get better, but they will get better as this so-called president won’t be in office forever and young kids are quite knowledgeable these days and will be an element of needed change. Recognize the power and compassion in yourself and honor it.
31
It's amazing how the Bible is twisted by those who are unable to see that they are doing it. Trump is more Godly? My reading of the Bible and the parable of the good Samaritan (Samaritans, at the time, were outcastes, by the way.) tells a story that is clear to those with any heart left. This does not apply to Trump and his defenders. Sadly, they are in power and will use that power to harm as many people as possible while enriching themselves. God bless you, Teresa. You are that Good Samaritan.
43
They have usurped God’s place and have become the rulers of earth. They no longer need God’s approval or guidance—but they still exploit God’s name by claiming kinship with him.
It seems clear that the local prosecutor (Ms. Todd) should prosecute the ICE agents for recklessly endangering Esmeralda.
20
@Eugene they have sovereign immunity, she can’t prosecute. She should do a 1983 action for violating her civil rights under color of law. They interfered in her freedom to act in the scope of her religious beliefs.
6
@Eugene: As far as we can see from the story, Esmeralda was taken to the hospital for medical care. (and is now in custody) Let's not make the story worse that it is. It's bad enough.
I needed that. Thanks Nick for an inspiring read, and thanks Teresa Todd for your courage and compassion. These are dark days, and I'm extremely grateful for all the light I can find.
33
Here's the real story. The deputy saw three suspected "illegals" with Ms. Todd in her car. He believed it was likely that she was transporting the three, which has been a crime forever. In fact, the Border Patrol has checkpoints in the area where they routinely stop and inspect every car, looking for illegal transporters or "coyotes." I have been stopped about 100 times over twenty years at the checkpoint on Interstate 8 in Arizona.
I'm sure Ms. Todd tried to explain, like virtually every coyote who is caught. Appropriately, the deputy promptly began an investigation, and you can be pretty sure that no charges will be brought.
This has nothing to do with Trump. The local sheriff's office was doing what sheriff's offices along the Southwest Border always do. If you drive anywhere near the border you know that Ms. Todd's arrest was pretty much inevitable and in accordance with the law against transporting. And you also know that one of the reasons for the law is that lots of transporters mistreat their passengers, and occasionally horrific deaths occur. Here, the deputy saw an obviously incapacitated woman in Ms. Todd's car. That was likely a big issue for him.
If the deputy reasonably suspected that Ms. Todd had abused one of her passengers, he would have been negligent if he hadn't arrested Ms. Todd. So what happened was appropriate and probably admirable law enforcement. If you don't believe me, you can find these facts with a simple google search.
14
@michjas Good points about the incident maybe being simply responsible law enforcement. But I'd think that Ms. Todd must have shown her identification as a physician and also provided her friend's, the Border Patrol lawyer's, phone number, and also cooperated quite convincingly in other ways. If she did this, or any of it, then the incident becomes something else.
5
@Joe. You should have done the google search. The deputy asked her if he could review the calls on her cellphone. She refused. So a warrant was issued. That takes time and couldn't be done roadside. So she was held while the warrant was applied for and whiile the subsequent investigation occurred. Then she was released.
2
@michjas You have no basis to make a statement that the sheriff had reason to believe Ms. Todd had mistreated the woman. Ms. Todd assuredly told the sheriff the woman was very ill, and that she herself is a lawyer. This might be 'normal policing', but maybe that's precisely the problem.
1
Some of the posts ask why evangelicals do not follow this parable. Note that a priest and a Levite pass the injured man. These are upper class religious Jews. Why does Jesus use a Samaritan as the good neighbor? Samaritans were not Jews and were looked down on by the Israelites.
Likewise, Jesus is constantly arguing with the Pharisees and Sadducee, deeply religious men of His time. Today, the evangelicals have taken on their role. And as then, they fail to understand His message.
29
Baffling—on the front page is an article about Mr. Trump granting a pardon to Conrad Black :
https://nyti.ms/2YwIV3y
To read Mr. Kristof's article on Ms. Todd is a true example of how the virtue of empathy, human compassion is in the deficit in this Administration.
Ms. Todd is a heroine and we should make her story trend.
33
Thank you for quoting directly from the bible. It really helps emphasize the hypocrisy of the proportion of immigration foes who identify as and call themselves christian in language that they understand.
20
Thank you. I have only a question: For whose eyes are we trying make American great again?
11
It amounts to 'civil disobedience' which has been around for quite awhile. At this point we need more of it as our govt has become illegal and amoral. Ms Todd has show us the way.
16
@Harold Except that civil disobedience involves the conscious commission of acts that are known to be illegal but unjust. As far as she was aware and could reasonably have surmised, Ms. Todd--who, let's not forget, is a lawyer--did not do anything illegal.
6
Thanks for the Bible lesson.
If only those most loudly proclaiming themselves to be Christians actually understood the teachings of Christ... the GOP's deliberate recruitment of and sway over Evangelicals has resulted in their expulsion of compassion from the central doctrine.
13
Trump, and other anti-immigrant individuals and organizations, have reduced the immigrants to "less thans". Less than we born and bred Americans. Less than those who would close our country to those who look different than us and speak different languages.
Less than others who are not fleeing gangs or corrupt governments.
So, we, U.S. citizens are becoming numb to the sad, sordid and inhumane acts our government and others inflict on the less thans.
Mr. Kristoff offers the perspective that no matter how much we want illegal immigration curtailed (illegal immigration will never be stopped regardless of what a grifter from Queens says) those immigrants, the less thans, are human and deserve humane treatment.
To those who would deny assistance to the immigrants and claim to be Christian are, well, less thans-less than Christian.
12
So Trump, the GOP, and their constituents and enablers are no longer going to allow the good to do good?
Who are we as a people that allow such immorality to take place?
These legal sanctions to put people in cages, separate families, handcuff people like Todd, with the support of Republicans, do wrong in the name of justice. It does not bode well for us.
Are the Republicans tilling ground for a William Lloyd Garrison to rise from the thorns of injustice? Beware, such ugliness provides incentives for radicals as well. John Brown was as much an American as Garrison.
When you make life intolerable, you make the recipients of such intolerance intolerant as well.
14
if you ever wondered how great nations in the past became totalitarian and hateful, it’s rarely overnight. Step by step, day after day someone is preaching intolerance. And that someone has been selected by the people.
This is decision we as a people have to consciously make. The fork in the road is before us. Which way is our future?
16
Despite all the wailing and gnashing of teeth I hear from evangelicals with “Christian persecution complex”, this is the first *true* case of government infringement on religious liberty that I’ve heard in the modern era.
10
It would be nice to see this argument framed without the Christian hypocrisy argument. Those who believe that being a good person - not because there's a reward in the afterlife or because you're being judged by a creator - would like to own a piece of this.
When we make the point that altruism and compassion are in direct conflict with ridiculous laws because Jesus has so said, we allow church to dictate state. Decency itself should drive legislation; we don't need to push the short-sighted, haughty and divisive talking point that America is a Christian nation.
11
America is a country of people of great humanity. We seem to have lost our way, based on a very loud minority.
We must keep acting with humanity, compassion, and heart.
The good people of this country - the most of us - will prevail.
They can't arrest all of us.
11
@Iceowl tell that to the citizens of Russia. They may not be behind prison walls topped with razor wire, but they are imprisoned. But you are right, having had these rights and privileges (which I doubt any Russian ever ruly had) we know what we are losing and what we must fight to keep. Speechifying won't do it; actions are required - voting, getting your family, friends and neighbors to vote, this is needed now.
4
The words enshrined by our Statue of Liberty have become an obscenity in the playbook of Trump and Company:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
The American ideals once admired by billions across the globe are being degraded day after day.
It's getting clearer and clearer that Trump sees himself as our unique castigating, vilifying, reviling strongman who intends to shatter our system of checks and balances with the assent of the Republican Senate (and an ineffective, self-sabotaging Democratic House) and a court system in the process of being packed with fawning loyalists. When Trump finishes his potential 8-year reign of shysterism, the US will become a bonafide kleptocracy with unsustainable deficits, more extensive inequality, social unrest, unstable employment, a broken health care system, a muted and restricted press, lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality, wide- spread pollution and environmental degradation, and a dominion of intolerance, sexism, racism, ignorance, and jingoism not seen since before most of us were born.
11
@Dave E
"Don't give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Don't send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I don't want them anymore."
We need to change the plaque.
Thank you, Nicholas.
6
If Donald Trump is godly, I’m proud to be an atheist. But religion is beside the point – it’s about being a human being. Todd admirably demonstrated her humanity.
As humans, we are all supposedly programmed with empathy. So it is amazing to me to see “people” like Donald Trump who lack the empathy gene. Perhaps it is a freak of nature, but it is a gross deformity that leaves Trump completely self-absorbed – a solipsistic social invalid.
For accuracy we need to edit Bachmann’s comment: “We will in all likelihood never see a more inhumane, heartless president again in our lifetimes.”
14
A woman is arrested for saving a desperate 18 year old’s life.
Trump is a lawless President, he is above the law - he lies, cheats, breaks laws with no consequences. Indeed he becomes more popular.
When it comes to immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers or those that help them, we demand that we must be a nation of laws. When it comes to Trump, for his supporters, for Republicans, laws don’t matter, the constitution doesn’t matter.
That’s Trump’s America.
Trump is destroying America’s soul.
13
The story of the Good Samaritan, which appears only in Luke, is one of the most provocative in all the accounts of Jesus's preaching. He brazenly flips the meaning of "neighbor," from the one being loved to the one doing the loving. "Love thy neighbor as thyself," of course, is part of the commandment that, in Jesus's words, brings life. Jesus thus answers the question, "Who is my neighbor," succinctly: Your neighbor is the one who helps you when you are down and out, vulnerable, hurt, in danger, especially if you are a stranger detested by my tribe.
Nick is right on with his extended analogy. No Christian could possibly disagree with it. Teresa Todd was neighbor to the children she saved. Teresa Todd has received from Jesus the promise of life.
"Do this and you will live." No ifs, ands, or buts.
Now, about the border patrol officers...
13
What she did was great.
However, what Kristof is doing is not so great.
She was not arrested as the headline indicates. Instead, she was detained until the Border Patrol could figure out the entire situation......because it was unusual.
Saying she was arrested feeds into Trump's characterization of "fake news." In fact, it is fake news. She was not arrested. She was transporting illegal aliens, and that is against the law. When she stopped to pick them up, she didn't know one was ill. In fact, they were all adults. Border Patrol is supposed to ignore situations where someone is transporting illegal aliens? That's nonsense.
Why can't we be happy about someone who acts as a good Samaritan without having to try, very hard, to stretch and distort the facts until we can, with satisfaction, find an "enemy" in the process? This is what Fox News does.
7
@Dan, while I concur with much of what you wrote I would respectfully and experience wise disagree with your point regarding arrest. While there is often a fine line between detention and arrest, this much is clear; the moment she was transported from the scene, her belongings seized and searched and most importantly, read her Miranda Rights this contact was moved from detention to arrest. That’s not necessarily a bad or fatal occurrence. Nothing about that precludes “un-arresting” her, of course. Happens everyday across the country and without much controversy.
5
@Dan why are quibbling about whether or not she was under arrest. If you're read your rights and held in a holding cell for 45 minutes and the Border Patrol is considering federal charges, it's quite reasonable to believe you're under arrest. As to your other comment about "transporting" illegal aliens. She was parked, had ascertained that one person was quite sick, and was calling for help ... including calling the Border Patrol.
5
@Dan
Well, both Bill Roach and Patricia L could not have done a better job of proving my points.
Border Patrol sees a woman in a car sitting by the side of the road. This is something that they would investigate. They did not know how long they had been in the car, and whether they had been being moved in the car. All they saw was a car and they ascertained that there were three illegal aliens in it with her.
They did not, absolutely did not, arrest her. They detained her pending an investigation, and after that investigation did not arrest her. In fact, they helped the young woman get medical attention. Who else was going to do that?
Of course they gave her her Miranda Rights, and of course they searched her belongings. She could have been breaking the law, so that's what is done in those circumstances.
To say she was never placed "under arrest" is not "quibbling," not at all. It is what law enforcement officers do all of the time when a situation appears to be one where someone could be breaking a law. And, in fact, she was. Whether or not the car was moving is immaterial.
Nothing bad happened to her. She lost a few hours of time, but she, and Border Patrol, got the young woman the medical help she needed.
This is, I am sad to admit, "fake news," of exactly the type that Trump makes hay with. The motorist is portrayed as the good person and the Border Patrol as bad persons. Either/or dichotomous thinking. Fox News.
Everybody involved did good!
The juxtaposition is creative and challenging. I am hoping some priests and bishops take to the road to help too. It will teach and may be their salvation. Senator Tim Mathern
9
I thank Mr Kristof for this article. I won't read the comments. I expect there to be negative comments because of the Gospel quotes. Freedom from religion!
Freedom from religion is one thing, freedom from ethics is another.
7
Well done, Mr. Kristof.
A moving and effective follow up to your columns on Christianity.
And such a clear and basic lesson for our times. I hope Ms. Todd is right when when she says this is not the United States.
15
When my son was 9 or 10 he came home from school and asked me what an oxymoron was. I replied Fox News and he understood. If my grandson asks me the same question I will reply, Evangelical Christian. Our country is in a very sad state. Let us hope we someday receive the help we so cruelly refuse to give.
29
During the Puritan reign in England, Parliament passed a law making adultery punishable by death. People were arrested and tried, but the English jurors didn’t believe the law was just. They never found anyone guilty. Maybe our own jurors will feel the same way and make this cruel law likewise unenforceable.
There is more than one way to accomplish an end. Show compassion, jurors.
25
@nora m, I hope you are right, but what a waste of tax payer dollars. when we have high priority climate to work on.
5
Mr. Kristof - thanks again for bringing us a story that touches the heart of our nation's identity. The story of the Samaritan illustrates the difference between those who call themselves the people of God and those who show they are the people of God through their love of others.
We are of-course in a place where our enmeshed national and religious leaders, reflecting the "will of the people", demonstrate a preference for the former rather than the latter.
18
Thank you for bringing this case to our attention.
I'm sure the irony of a group of people supporting laws that make it a crime to help a woman get an abortion as well as supporting laws that make it a crime to help people survive who are in the country illegally has not escaped you. I listen to people supporting the abortion bans talk about the protecting the life of the unborn, but I gather that they don't feel the same about the lives of certain other people.
26
It's difficult for me to understand exactly what Ms. Todd did that was wrong. After all, she would have had no idea that the people she saw on the road were migrants. They don't wear t-shirts announcing it, do they? The area where Ms. Todd was driving has a large Hispanic-American population, and the young people could well have been American citizens. How was she to know? Profiling every Hispanic person and assuming he or she is not a citizen is part of our national anti-migrant hysteria and shame. And, even if they are not citizens, should they be left to die in the road? I still don't see why inviting these young people into her car and trying to find them help is a crime. If the cop had gotten there first, he would have put the three in his patrol car, even if it was only to take them to jail. He may have even taken the young girl to the hospital. He would have provided help, no matter how inadvertent it might be. What's the difference between him and Ms. Todd?
37
A glaring case of ethical conflict: Do you obey the written civil law or the unwritten moral law?
Our instincts are to preserve and protect ourselves. We're taught, or not, to help others, but even that has limits, e.g., we can't give away our entire paychecks to charity, for that violates the Prime Directive: Charity begins at home. Is that callousness, selfishness? Not if viewed correctly: We are to love others as ourselves, implying that we love ourselves, too. Or do we sacrifice everything to others, including our lives, as Christ and millions of soldiers -- and others -- have done?
Ethics is a fascinating, and should be necessary, subject. Who can meet up with the highest standards, besides mythical icons? Nonetheless, maybe there is a clear line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Teresa Todd shows us where she stands. I wonder if I would do likewise, because I have done otherwise, to my shame and discredit. I am sometimes better characterized as the priest or Levite in this ancient story. I don't think I'm alone in that category; in fact, maybe you've been there a time or two yourself, no? If so, let he who is without sin ...
9
It is sad to say that taking a stand on a principle inherently brings some sort of risk. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Thank you, Todd, for your courage and your faith in your principles. May such an ordinary thing as helping another being become so common, there is no downside.
That said, I wonder if you can demand equal treatment under the law. In most of the US, there is no penalty for stopping to help another person, undocumented or not. We have all seen stories of how someone helped an illegal do or become something and that someone is lauded. Yesterday we saw an abortion law signed ostensibly to protect another human being (that's a whole other discussion), yet it may be criminal to help another human on the side of the road. I'm pretty sure that there would be no legal ramifications if Todd had helped an injured dog. That shows you where some states rank undocumented workers.
17
" ... friends were murdered and a gang leader wanted to make Esmeralda his “girlfriend.”
Nearly 90% of recent migrants have been coming from Guatemala which is currently in the midst of a multi-year drought. Guatemala's population jumped from 3,625,300 in 1955 to 17,577,842 today. With such a large population, many do not get enough to eat even when the weather is conducive to farming its traditional crops.
A 3/8/11 PBS Newshour segment titled "In Guatemala, Family Planning Clashes with Religion, Tradition” said, Nearly half the population of Guatemala suffers from chronic malnutrition.”
“ ...46 percent of children are stunted.”
In the current drought, many are in real fear of going hungry so they are coming here and requesting asylum.
Since asylum is given to people fleeing persecution, not hunger, many pretend they are fleeing violence so they will be allowed into the country. They hear what stories others have used to gain admittance, and then make up their own versions. Immigration judges must hear endless variations of the above claims, and should be given every resource to determine if any are true.
Instead of admitting increasing numbers of Guatemalans (many of whom do not show up for their immigration hearings), we could offer their country food aid, help for their farmers (such as finding crops that will grow during droughts and more efficient reservoir systems), and family planning, including artificial means of birth control.
11
@ann With decreasing food supplies do you really think violence is not rising? Hunger may be one factor, but it is also the factor driving the ones being violent. We helped create this problems as well by our ideological notions of anti-birth control, which is a religious edict towards warmongering societies: "Have kids and multiply as we will grind them up in war and need steady replacements".
Any sane human would want out of there, and the USA has historically been the place to try to get to. Our present Great Yellow Snowflake seems to be in major danger of a meltdown when confronted with people of a different color from orange entering the Nation.
5
@ann
I would have clicked "recommend", Ann, but for two words: "Instead of". Change those to "along with" and I could endorse most of what you say.
4
@anns Your last paragraph makes perfect sense-to everyone with the exception of Trump, his advisers and supporters given that Trump, in his wisdom, or lack of, has stopped assistance to Guatemala.
3
Helping those young folks was certainly the right thing for Ms Todd to do. Call me too optimistic, but I'm convinced that the vast majority of humanity is decent and willing to abide by the Golden Rule; "do unto others..."
To see America devolve to a position of gratuitous cruelty towards those in peril in this era of Trump is profoundly disturbing. Our nation needs to ask itself if this is truly the face we want to present to the world.
26
Is this still the USA? Are we still proud of our Statue of Liberty? Are we still a nation of immigrants searching and contributing to a free life? Are we still an empathetic people?
21
I am amazed by the lack of understanding many express about Mr. Kristof's use of the Good Samaritan parable and the verse from John to point out the hypocrisy of Trump's evangelical supporters. Likewise I am puzzled the strange comment from the gentleman in Germany who apparently believes that Trump and his policies are what the majority in this country want (never mind that he lost the popular vote), that such cases are "extraordinary" rather than typical, and that one's own moral or ethical sense is subordinate to the law even when the law itself is questionable, infirm, or immoral.
22
At age 20, I got stranded on a remote desert road in Baja, Mexico towards sundown. My car got stuck in the sand. If the only passing motorist that day hadn't stopped and helped me, I wouldn't be here today. Everywhere I have traveled in the world, total strangers have offered help and kindness when I needed it. It saddens me to think that my own county may be the exception. When you see people in distress, there is a moral imperative to help. I don't care what your religion is or what the law says. A law that discourages compassion is fundamentally unjust.
61
@LL I was on the road in Baja and pulled over, just to take a photo. A car immediately made a u-turn, because they correctly knew my car would sink in the sand. The father directed his son to dig me out and he and I had a very nice conversation. A favorite memory of mine.
25
Thank you for your article, Mr. Kristof.
It reminds me of the pestilence we have presently in charge of this country.
But please, leave the bible and religious quotes at home.
They detract from the article.
5
@Wilder why do they detract from the article? They serve to contrast our "biblical", incredibly high support among Evangelicals President and his administration versus what a true Christian message and approach would be.
At some point, one would think there is breaking point where the supposed values are so disconnected with reality that some of those voters think differently.
13
@Wilder - generally I'd agree about the biblical quotes; but as you're saddled with a president who appears to draw a huge amount of support from his appalling policies from devout and utterly hypocritical 'Christians', the quotes seem to me to be entirely apposite here!
1
Helping a person in need of medical aid isn’t the same as, say, marrying someone for money in exchange for permanent residence. What have we become as a nation when helping someone at risk of death is deemed a crime? She did the right thing, let CBP sort out the asylum claims later once the medical situation is addressed.
Imagine a story about a US tourist in Central America needing help and none was given: how would people here react?
32
This story literally breaks my heart. Yes, Ms. Todd: what country ARE we now living in?
26
Mr. Kristof: Thank you for this article. I especially like how you combined segments of "The Good Samaritan" as it appears in the Bible, weaving it into the thread of this article about immigration. I have to agree with this poor woman who tried to help: "What country are we in?" It is hard to recognize it, and yes, to hear others speak of President Trump and how "godly" he is - it blows my mind! I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus, and I see nothing about this man that would ever cry Christianity to me! Indeed the opposite is true - and to prosecute Americans who are following what Christ told us to do, in being kind to others - what has America come to? You know, dictators in the past have had the agenda and the mantra: "It's us against 'them'" and doesn't it feel like that now? Isn't it scary? And I listen to my Christian friends, all of whom support President Trump, and it is surreal to me. But I applaud this "good Samaritan" who followed her heart and did what the Bible and Jesus told us to do: may we all follow her shining example, and may 2020 see the dawn of a new day in America, where kindness to others is not prosecuted, and those fleeing from life-threatening situations are not punished for seeking a better life. May the Statue of Liberty again be a beacon of hope to those who are desperate to find something better. May America stand for what she once stood for - the land of the free and the home of the brave.
62
@Misty Martin What an eloquent response to Mr. Kristof. And yes, how can anyone speak of the president as "godly"---it boggles the mind, but they do. The blind leading the blind. And to Nichlas Kristof---your eloquence shines yet again. A powerful voice for compassion and truth. Thank you.
30
It is so heartbreaking to see what is happening in this country. I was brought up to believe people should help people. My own life was affected in positive ways when people helped me. To see how DT is destroying our values, distorting the nation, rewarding monster behavior over kindness is truly appalling. It makes me heartsick.
36
This is not the United States I grew up in.
This is not the United States I joined the Navy to serve the nation. This is not a compassionate nation. The problem could be solved by increasing funding for social services and courts to meet the demand. We also need a better response to the violence in Central America rather than pulling all funding. What is the matter with us?
63
@Eulon Taylor
A vote for any Republican is a vote for this policy. They all support him in lockstep.
6
@nora m: I can't understand why anyone would support this cruel agenda. Ms. Todd is a heroine.
1
Thank you for this report. I remember about 15 years ago when these laws were promulgated: " You will be arrested if you so much as hand a bottle of water out of your car window to a person dying of thirst on the side of the road. And you may not take anyone to the hospital or you will be arrested for illegal transportation." I thought that these inhumane, un-American, proposed laws had not, in the end, taken effect. I am shocked and sad to read this. Please follow up so that we can help with legal defense of this heroic , kind woman. So many people are still good despite the despot at the helm who urges us toward more cruelty. And I hope that the young woman in the hospital is recovering.
86
In addition, it was reported her cellphone was confiscated. Todd was told it would be returned the next day. Her cellphone was held for 53 days before it was returned.
49
Thank you Nicholas! What a powerful column. What are we supposed to do? Ask people for their papers before we take action to save a life? And this from the party that wants to ban abortion, ostensibly because all life is precious. I throwing my lot in with the Samaritan and hope that I have the strength of character to do what Ms. Todd did when I am confronted with a similar problem.
71
"Todd invited the migrants into her car to warm up, and she began frantically texting friends (including one who is a lawyer for the Border Patrol) for advice about getting Esmeralda medical attention."
Here is my question, other than texting friends including a lawyer, what did Teresa Todd do that was different from what the sheriff’s deputy would have done had he gotten them first?
Would the sheriff’s deputy have simply passed them by? It can very cold at night in Texas in February. Would he not have taken them into his car so that they could get warm - even if it was before he arrested them or called the Border Patrol? Would he have ignored Esmeralda's medical condition, would he have called for medical attention, or would have decided if she died in is presence it was a just reward?
The sheriff’s deputy and Border Patrol should have thanked Ms. Todd and said, we'll take it from here, just as first responders would if you stopped to pull someone out of the water who fell through the ice or out of a burning car.
It would seem that those who are criticizing Todd advocate that she should have left them to suffer and die or stopped and held a gun on them until the Border Patrol arrived.
95
We also need to put the desperate plight of Central Americans in the context of brutal US foreign policy and support of militarizing the region for generations. This isn't happening in a vacuum. And Oliver North, an engineer of Iran-Contra, has been working to do the same in the US via the NRA.
65
America is nearly finished as a legitimate heir to our Founders' legacy and as a nation that can claim any moral superiority. We are, in fact, rapidly turning into a theocratic police state, a development which seems to be cheered on by at least 40% of the people. This is a sad and disheartening state of affairs when, at 56, I am no longer proud of my country, nor my government, nor trusting of the police and other law enforcement agencies. When laws become tools of oppression they are not to be respected by decent people and those who make such laws now seem above shame. But as long as we unthinkingly lionize government power, law enforcement and a twisted version of Christianity, we will continue down this dark road until those of us born in better times will no longer recognize the society they grew up in. And all that will be left is punishment and mourning.
137
@Keith
"America is nearly finished as a legitimate heir to our Founders' legacy and as a nation that can claim any moral superiority."
You mean like our Constitution categorizing millions of slaves as 3/5 of a person? Our genocide of American natives? Our not allowing women to vote until 1920? Our many invasions of other countries?
We are not, and never have been, a role model among countries. It was all public relations, mostly ours.
Thank you for sharing the story. It was inspiring, and and very dispiriting (because of the arrest) at the same time.
43
Without a doubt, Ms. Todd did the right thing.
Shame on any Federal law enforcement officer, U.S.A.A., or any other Federal agent who thinks otherwise! Her actions reflect the supposed values espoused by several of the stated Core Values of any number of Federal law enforcement agencies under the Departement of Justice umbrella. To convict Ms. Todd is to make an even greater mockery of the application of "justice," than is the current standard applied in cases of greater magnitude in and about D.C.!
77
She’s a lawyer. She should file a false arrest case. There was no probable cause to detain her or hold her in a cell for three hours. Her case will be a warning to the Sheriff and Border Patrol to respect the rights of others. If she doesn’t sue, she’s allowing them to mistreat the next person, and the next.
46
@spotter I know the process . It takes years .Difficult to find even representation because lawyers know they won't make any money.. And it lingers into litigation where you end up fighting for 3000 $ against city attorneys acting like sharks . And the Trump context is not favorable. She is an attorney, she knows .
18
@spotter
Difficult to judge what's going on here without all the facts. There may be a lot of pieces missing from this story. Could be the writer didn't include them or the lawyer only expressed part of the story.
If everything happened as reported, then I agree, this seems to be a case of false or unreasonable arrest.
8
@Jack Thomas. No doubt a doubting Thomas.
1
Mr. Kristof, the woman in this piece is a true hero. I am awed by her courage. However, please keep the New Testament out of your tribute. This story is not about Christianity. There are many other models of principled Americans who love democracy. Those of us who are members of minority religions don't need to see Christianity as the standard for protecting human rights and the rule of law in the country which we love.
37
@Emily All religions have scriptural passages that encourage compassion and mercy, often in powerful emotional language, and I would not have been offended by quotes from any of them. But it is particularly appropriate to quote from the New Testament because the people backing this monstrous regime claim, for the most part, to be Christians -- causing those who truly do endeavor to follow Jesus to bear a bad name by association.
195
@December
I am Jewish. No, it is not "particularly appropriate" to cite the New Testament as a model for protecting democracy in our civil society. Frankly, I am appalled that you would even suggest this.
@Emily
By their own theology, they are still bound by the moral law. That's why the United Methodists nearly kicked Jeff Sessions out over putting children in cages. Anybody who cites scripture to justify cruelty better be prepared to be refuted.
4
I sympathize with Ms. Teresa Todd's kindness and good intentions and don't think she should be prosecuted or charged in any manner. However, I also think it is a bad idea for a single woman (or man for that matter), driving at night along a desolate dark roadside to stop for a "young man in a white shirt (who) ran out of a ditch and started waving at her" according to press reports. There is a reason why we instruct our children against picking up hitchikers. My advice to her would have been to keep on driving for a short distance and then to call 911 and report the incident. The not-so-young man could just as easily have been a fugitive.
The news reports I read did not state how long it had been since the siblings had entered the U.S., but depending on the conditions, an adult can survive nearly a week without water and over three weeks without food before irreversible bodily harm occurs. I don't believe waiting for half an hour more at night time temperatures in the month of February for qualified law enforcement and medical assistance to arrive would have led to a loss of life.
All that being said, if the case against Ms. Todd goes to trial and I were selected to be on the jury, I most certainly would not find her guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.
7
@EMIP
Driving past and calling 911 might ease the however all you would be doing is making it someone else's problem. We are very good at that. I am not sure I would have stopped however I know that what Ms. Todd did was courageous and if you believe in heaven than there is certainly going to be a place for her there.
34
@EMIP
The article states that the girl had Rhabdomyolysis, which is a medical emergency. Muscle damage is extreme and rapid, and delays in treatment increase the chance of kidney failure.
Been there, done that, don't recommend it.
2
God bless Teresa Todd, an American who demonstrated the best about what America means to me-kindness and compassion towards the stranger amongst us.
114
In Europe, people are acquitted of helping migrants cross interstate borders in their own cars, on humanitarian grounds. The current US administration really brings it to another level.
Many Europeans aren’t happy with this management of the immigration crisis though and in some states politicians and voters are already seduced by the example Trump sets.
Further destabilizing the ME with a new war against Iran would of course worsen the situation: Iran is as close to the EU border as El Salvador is to the US.
44
@Vincent W. M.-Excellent points. The U.S. undeclared war on Iraq sent 2 million people fleeing to surrounding countries.
34
@Ann
And let's not forget the nearly four million Syrian refugees Turkey has been sheltering for years in their country due to the ongoing civil war in neighboring Syria. And with even more expected to flood across the border into Turkey if the situation in Syria's adjacent Idlib province continues to worsen due to the Assad regime and Russia's ongoing bombing of civilians there.
Yet, to our shame, according to official figures from the U.S. Department of State, Refugee Processing Center (RPS), in all of CY 2018 we only accepted 41 refugees from Syria and just 306 Syrian refugees to date in 2019:
http://ireports.wrapsnet.org/Interactive-Reporting/EnumType/Report?ItemPath=/rpt_WebArrivalsReports/MX%20-%20Arrivals%20for%20a%20Demographic%20Profile
32
We all should be grateful of people like Ms. Todd and Mr. Warren. Thank you for helping, and I sincerely hope they are vindicated and may continue to help others in need.
79
These are the stories that will help defeat Trump at the ballot box. Monstrous policies and a White House culture of bullying and lying will produce a society of monsters. People, keep up the good fight and keep these stories coming.
73
@Mr Q
In a normal world I'd agree with you. However, this is not an ordinary time. Some Trump supporters would argue that these people should not have been helped, rather they should have been shot.
Listening to our president at a recent Florida rally one could clearly understand that he subtlety supports such measures. https://www.vox.com/2019/5/9/18538124/trump-panama-city-beach-rally-shooting-migrants
2
@Mr Q But will they? We can only hope (and pray).
I do not share Ms. Bachman's views. Never in my life have I seen such a president that DID NOT embody the teachings of ANY spiritual leader such as Mr. Trump. He lies, he cheats, he discriminates, he cheats on his wife, he says crude things about other women, and yet he gets a pass from 95% of his GOP pass, including his elected base in Congress, who like him, truly have no sense of decency or morality. It's truly sad. And yet Jesus would forgive him. BUT, Trump would have him arrested first, for helping other immigrants.
121
@Douglas ritter
95% of the GOP base control the primaries. No anti-Trump Republican will ever get to the general election. Actually, this is a good thing because Trump's approval rating has never even been 50% or higher. And it won't be unless you right wingers bring forth Rasmussen polling. The general election in 2020 will be a referendum on Trump. I have faith in America that independents and Democrats will do their duty and go to the polls in massive numbers.
20
So you have lost faith in democracy ? That a nation, that had been a democracy for more than a century, can not do the right thing ? Do you believe, law enforcement can be immoral and you can appoint yourself to make your own enforcement based on your own moral understanding ? You should remind yourself, that a majority of people have voted for this, or at least accepted this as part of an agenda, they think, serves their interest.
Also, picking an extraordinary case is no base to disfavor a whole policy. Someone may pick a crime case committed by an illegal migrant to justify a much harder stance against migration at whole. Trump does this the all the time and you hate him for this. Riling up emotions to discredit your opponents puts you on the same lower moral level as your opponent.
In this occasion here, just stop reciting the bible to make a point. Just say, people just should be given condonation for not knowing, that helping people can sometimes not be legitimate. This should not be a moral dispute, this should be nothing else but a matter of an appropriate implementation of the interests of a democratic society.
7
@Mathias Weitz
Excellent points Mathias, conservatives and those on the far right often exploit single spectacular incidents to prove their case. It's misleading and dangerous.
Unfortunately, such stories bring in lots of advertising revenue and influences the thoughts and minds of many.
Should liberals and those on the far left take the same route? I'm not sure.
It seems the latest political mantra is, "the ends justify the means." That's not right, but it's today's reality.
@Mathias Weitz Yes, Herr Weitz, many of us have lost faith in our democracy, given that a majority of people did not vote for this. As to the morality of the law, her actions kind of remind me of the times that people brought apples to the cattle cars that were transporting the Jews of Europe to their deaths -- also a crime that could be punished by death. What have we done to ourselves that an act of mercy and compassion should be such an "extraordinary" case?
2
In this country, a majority did no such thing.
3
The Border Patrol zone of 100 miles into the U.S. from our borders north and south is a semi-country within our nation, a crypto-country, or a false-country. Perhaps there the flag of the Border Patrol should be flown above our national and state flags. There Donald Trump is truly an Augustus with his own Praetorian Guard. There US citizens should be careful to carry their birth certificates, driver licenses, naturalization papers if applicable, US passports, and Border Patrol entry and exit visas for the zone or special residence permits renewable in person every 30 days, checks only, payable to Special Wall Account. For the back-story, read Franz Kafka, The Castle.
37
@Tom Absolutely right. When I fly within the USA, my birth country, I travel with my US passport, but sometimes I still get that look of surprise, or disappointment, that they won't be able to pull me aside and harass me. Some look confused when I address them in perfect English--or, as one security person at the airport said: Like an American.
1
I find myself wondering 'what would Jesus do' with regards all the families and children fleeing violence, poverty, and repression to seek safety in asylum here, being treated so harshly by Trump. It is rich irony that so many of the Trump supporters proudly proclaiming their support of Trump's vendetta on "illegals" will also claim themselves to be "Christians". It seems to me that they do not understand even the beginnings of Christ's message.
82
Teresa Todd is a hero, exactly the sort of person I would want to have as a public official. And I have immense admiration for the No More Deaths volunteers, whose commitment and idealism exemplify what I used to think of as American values in action.
Shame on the thuggish “law enforcement professionals” who are persecuting them.
79
To the GOP: What would Jesus do?
Thank you, Mrs. Todd for saving her life.
71
Reading these pages has become as offensive as encountering crosses in public offices, or school prayer.
Where are we safe from religion?
Not even when saving a fever stricken life?
Is nothing self evident?
Does human nature never stand obvious?
Must we ensnare the reflex of human compassion in complication?
I am so sick of our teachers and preachers and pundits.
Do Americans need guidance in everything?
Can nothing stand alone?
Is nothing simple?
18
@Eric
I believe one of the points of Mr. Kristoff's commentary is to show the hypocrisy of those who support Trump and his policies precisely because they are Christian, or at least claim to be. The biblical references serve to drive home this point, and they do it exceedingly well.
4
@Eric Americans presently need a LOT of guidance as a large number of individuals calling themselves Christian and backing Trump to the fullest do not seem to have a real clue as to what Christianity really is.
It is NOT, as so many treat it, just a fancy club with nice buildings where you go for your social peer meetings and secret planning sessions with those peers. That and showing the rest of the populace how virtuous you are by going to Church.
If that is all Church is to you then you have no concept of what Christianity really is. If you hold the hatreds of the Old Testament in your heart then you are NOT Christian, you are an unresolved, unrepentant Jew instead, without modern scripture, just the ancient stuff that Christ made obsolete yet was held for the history and the birth-line information ONLY. The New Testament is supposed to be THE Religion, the Old being the warnings of false gods and foibles of man.
Too bad so many only get so far as the Bible Thumping of the Old Testament, and never actually learn nor live Christ's New Testament. Those people hold the Old Testament false gods and hatred close to their hearts and call themselves righteous, while Christ himself would turn away from them and cry that they had gotten His Message so very terribly wrong.
I stepped away from the Church for just those reasons, people using 'Church' as a social gimmick for power and control. And they tended to lie more than most, and more family abuse was rampant.
Christians?
1
@JR
I can read.
Christianity and discussions about it, are hysterical.
I am sick of Christian hypocrisy finger pointing. It is self righteous and serves nobody. I am sick of columns about what are and what are not Christian values. I am sick of this useless, and artificial reference point that has caused endless harm.
We need another way of talking altogether.
Thank goodness for Teresa Todd. I have no doubt she saved Esmeralda's life. I've walked in this region of Texas for a few hours at a time, always in reach of water, food, shade, and a vehicle. Esmeralda and her brothers walked for 8 days. The ground is rock, cactus, yucca known as Spanish dagger that can cut thru leather boots. Esmeralda will wear the scars on her body forever. "El desierto no es nada facil," she wrote. She and her brothers are now detained in a privately run detention center for immigrants in the same desert. Many people there (detainees and guards alike) report that the dormitories are populated by snakes, scorpions, rats, and mice. The siblings must still fight for their right to stay here and it won't be easy. Central Americans flee horrors that don't find a neat fit in the US asylum laws, but these young people have a strong will to live. And thanks to Teresa Todd, they are alive.
57
You can be a total atheist and still cry over the unfair treatment - and the brutal thoughts behind it - a humanist like Todd received at the hands of people who most likely, if asked, would state that they believe in some sort of deity.
34
Remember all those so-called Christians, who whimpered that the mere existence of gay marriage "violated their religion"? Seems that crowd is decidedly silent in this situation. Caring for the less fortunate is a major tenet of the major-if not all- religions. If you are a person of faith (or simply a human being) you should be outraged by this woman's treatment.
107
@Beth
You might read all the comments before claiming Christians have been silent on Ms. Todd's treatment. I am a Christian and I have already commented, as have others, on her situation.
However, I do agree with you that many so-called Christians do whimper about gay marriage violating their religion. Judge not lest ye be judged and removing the beam from ones own eye before removing a mote from someone else's seems lost on these folks. True Christianity does not follow any political party. Thank you for helping me clarify these points in my own mind.
28
This reminds me rare episodes of local residents helping refugees who escaped from harsh conditions of forced labor (in mining or construction). This happened in Hokkaido before 1945 and the refugees were Korean. Most of residents cooperated with the police to find them; some just pretended. It was the rare residents who braved to help them escape, which gives me relief.
32
@Aki Yes, same for those who helped the Jews in the 30's and 40's. All are heroes.
1
Mrs. Todd is a hero in my book as much as any military person with confetti all over their chest. She has no gun but something more important - her faith that people are made in God's image and she defends this belief with actions.
Civil law when immoral and unjust can and should be put aside. It is the foundation of our values.
71
I commend Ms Todd on her courage and compassion, as have most of the other commenters.
On a practical level, does Ms. Todd need help with any legal fees and is there a fundraising mechanism in place to assist her? Regardless of any technical violation of the law we should do all we can to prevent a wrongful court case against her.
70
@michael_yudis I don't know if she does, but I believe Mr. Warren's parents have set up a site to donate for his legal fees.
12
In America the only lives that are worth protecting are those of the unborn.
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@JMC
Oops! You forgot the wealthy. I read today Robert Kraft may be escaping a conviction on prostitution with the Florida spa case. What’s a little enforced slavery when you’re going to be servicing Robert Kraft? He knows Tom Brady!
2
@JMC
You’re forgetting protecting the lives of Congressmen and women. They gets lots of protection.
3
God Bless Teresa Todd! Shame on Trump and the GOP. Teresa Todd aligns herself with the teaching of Jesus. Trump and the GOP align themselves with the devil.
35
We are NOT a Christian Nation and we prove it everyday.
58
God bless Teresa Todd. Thank you for your humanity and kindness.
JRB
90
I would have done the same- instinctively— perhaps from being a mom/grandmother, Dorothy Day Catholic? Or just a human?
2
We know the first two are Trump supporters.
7
I am in despair with this government and the people who enable it. Today's news from Alabama has just left me numb. I've lost hope.
61
Not a believer, but believe Ms. Todd exemplifies Jesus' teachings.
45
When the Border Patrol arrested Ms. Todd, what was the charge against her?
22
The immorality of my country's government overwhelms me.
94
Arrested for showing the milk of human kindness towards our fellow man.
Despicable.
67
The current administration is a morally bankrupt regime.
45
Fear and intimidation, the tools of the Trump menace.
32
What kind of country do we live in now? I'm thankful for Todd and all those who help but penalizing them? Dear God. :(
33
Today's GOP: Ms. Todd gets arrested. Stephen Miller gets a senior White House position advising the President on the caging of brown children.
Michele Bachmann, the former Republican congresswoman, recently said, “We will in all likelihood never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.”
If this is what evangelicals like Ms. Bachmann believe is a "godly" and "biblical" man, I hope she is right and we never see the likes of Trump again.
Meanwhile can we please officially drop the pretense that the Trump supporting Christian Right has ANY credibility to lecture ANYONE on moral behavior?
94
In the 1940s, there were countries (not going to name them, Godwin's Rule and all that) where individuals who hid people who would otherwise be murdered simply for their ethnic/religious origin were themselves tried in kangaroo courts and put to death. I see some frightening similarities.
75
Ms. Todd, you have done what we are all supposed to do, helping those in need, and in this case in dire emergency. You have my upmost admiration for honoring your Christian faith. This whole incident is pure evil, to arrest someone like Ms. Todd is even worse than the priest and Levite condemned by Jesus. I wonder if the sheriff's deputy and border patrol agent ever go to church and, if they go in the future, will they reflect and maybe have some remorse for what they have done in the name of "enforcing the law".
I am totally disgusted with this Administration for encouraging and enabling this sort of behavior from so-called law enforcement. For whatever reason these people came to the US, or whatever political beliefs you the reader hold, no one can claim that this is justice to arrest Ms. Todd.
44
More hyperbole and silliness.
All they had to do was surrender to law enforcement and claim they were persecuted in (name a country), and American taxpayers would have provided endless expensive medical care. Of course, at some point, they would have been released with their promise to seriously consider possibly returning to court - which of course nobody would have made them actually do.
Catch and release with free medical...
10
@John Did you not read the article? The young woman had a near fatal illness. Would you just drive by? Where is your compassion?
Basic humanity must apply.
35
@John Yes, it's obvious they're living on Easy Street. Nothing like the awful experiences of people living in Naples, Florida.
32
Just 50 miles west of Naples are the HUGE Collier family farms that are the destination of many undocumented immigrants. If you live east of the Mississippi, you probably eat produce from this area in the winter.
Perhaps John knows someone that will be interested in picking tomatoes. The pay averages $6.32 an hour. Hurry and apply for work soon before all the good jobs are gone.
7
These are baffling, sad times we find ourselves in thanks to this Republican administration. I do not see this as a religious dilemma or mandate, rather a human one. Atheist, Christian, Muslim, Jew, we are all human and are compelled to treat each other as such. To stand by idle when fellow humans suffer is a crime against humanity. Shame on those who would seek to penalize someone for offering to help.
33
Excellent article
I have cooked for homeless people for the last seven years.
There are no charities that can help everyone. People need to help each other
Right there in your article – – that’s what Jesus said.
35
It is mighty difficult to understand why some folks, will double-down in dehumanizing our fellow human beings, an act of raw cruelty, when in power. This is, or should be, an insult and a slap in our faces for behaving against the 'golden rule' (don't do to others what you wouldn't want them do to you), a grotesquely Trumpian behavior we ought to be ashamed of. Not that Trump, and some of the troops under his orders, are capable of being shamed, lost cases to decency and humane feelings. Hats off to Ms Todd, whose sense of justice, if not compassion, ought to be our path to follow. These United States have changed for the worst in human rights ever since I first came here, 50 years ago. It used to be a land of opportunity, where our service and dedication was appreciated, a reciprocal understanding that, if we worked hard, we would be recognized and rewarded accordingly. No more; and that's the rub!
21
It's an ironic betrayal by the Evangelicals of America, seeking to establish their own righteousness, that help empower the personification of the Golden Calf. The kind of self sacrifice necessary to act out the Good Samaritan is no longer ingrained in the lives of the very materialistic worldly minded Evangelicals. They can not put all their spiritual eggs in the Pro Life basket and desert their other responsibilities. But that is exactly what they desire to do because they want to feed their own lives before anyone else.
15
"By stopping to help a stranger, Todd may have saved a life — but this also got her arrested."
No good deed goes unpunished in GOP America, especially if the good deed helps a person of color. Sad, but still true in 2019.
37
We badly need immigration reform! Neither the democrats nor the republicans have addressed this issue - for the past 30 years.
Unskilled illegal labor drives down wages for poor US citizens. We need e-verify. We need employers who willfully employ illegal workers to be in prison.
Kristof offers us no solutions. Trump, bless his ugly little heart, is forcing us to confront the issue. Let’s vastly improve the work life of poor US citizens before we let in the 4 billion folks who’d love to move here.
5
@Michael Haddon
The answer is right in your comment. Blame the employers, not the refugees from countries we have destroyed.
12
@Michael Haddon By all means, let’s imprison those who “willfully” employ illegal workers, starting with Trump.
1
Hmm..."increasingly harsh treatment" is one way to put it. Can we instead call it homicide by forced neglect? What about Good Samaritan laws? I understand that State and Federal laws do not necessarily agree (e.g. marijuana!) but to arrest a person giving aid to someone in need is beyond the pale. A simple question--What are they supposed to do?
27
Good. If you want to enforce America's immigration laws, she must be punished severely. What Ms. Todd doesn't understand is her actions undermine the work of our border force, promotes human trafficking, and generally causes downstream problems such as lost jobs and crime. She must be made an example of to deter other people from betraying their own country and security. When everybody follows the law, all problems will eventually be solved.
3
@JJ
The Third Reich had many laws providing for severe punishment as an example to others.
https://www.ushmm.org/learn/timeline-of-events/1942-1945/german-poster-announces-death-penalty-for-aiding-jews
37
@JJ
It’s one thing to espouse your point of view in the abstract,but quite another thing when you encounter real live people in obvious severe distress by the side of the road. Most of us including you would instinctively stop to see if we could help.
It would seem that this small expression of basic human decency is being mistaken for some kind of premeditated twisted subversive act of civil disobedience.
I’m thankful that there are people like Ms Todd still around who are willing to extend their kindness while risking their freedom.
24
@J
You are being satirical, right?
1
Ms. Todd and all of us' remember Teddy's words "The rewards of a good deed is having done it".
9
What kind of people have we turned into in the last few years? This is a sad depiction of who we are today. God help us.
18
"“Whoever claims to love God but hates his brother or sister is a liar.” (1 John 4:20)"
Which means the entire GOP, as far as I'm concerned. Donald Trump didn't create his adopted party, but he profits from it.
I was appalled at the story of Teresa Todd, who refused to fly by dying immigrants, and then arrested. This woman is a lawyer, works for a municipality, and she gets attacked for warming up children?
I don't care what nationality they are, how they got there, or where they're going, they deserved the help she gave. And we deserve to read her story, for which I thank you Nicholas Kristof, along with the Gospel annotations.
Ms. Todd isn't alone in not recognizing America. I don't either, the longer this age of darkness continues. But from what I hear every Sunday in church, I have no doubt where she's going when her end is nigh.
Nor do I doubt where those running this country may be headed, either.
39
The interpositioning of segments of the parable with this real-life story of contemporary USA should shame anyone supporting the current regime’s treatment of immigrants.
Unfortunately, there are none so blind as they who will not see.
18
Thank you Ms. Todd. You have reafirmed my belief that human decency is still alive in this time of partisonship and divisiveness. May Lord bless you always.
17
Nicely written, Mr. Kristoff. Go and do likewise indeed.
13
Republican evolution during the reign of Trump: largely amoral to wholly immoral.
23
Thanks, Mr. Kristof. Well done. We need to keep asking ourselves WWJD?
21
@Denver Doctor... We know what he did and what happened to him for doing it. Learn and do better.
1
Ah, we are achieving lows in this country I never could imagine before. But at least there's real meanness to accompany the new authoritarian principles some now embody.
36
Courageous woman who did the right thing that any decent human being would have done seeing the plight of 3 people who were unwell by the roadside and asking for assistance.
She should have been thanked and sent on her way - NOT detained.
Thank you Mr. Kristof for another one of your heart warming stories. You are one of the reasons why so many of us subscribe to and read the New York Times. :)
135
About time Trump made a law that US citizens could not assume people they meet were not US citizens, by making it compulsory for all US citizens to have and carry a US passport at all times.
This petty decision is just another step along the way of demonising asylum seekers.
Surely helping people in need, should never be a crime?
36
This is a disturbing story. I am for the rule of law and support the deportation of illegal aliens. (Although I am a very strong supporter of sending military forces into these countries to help every citizens have a prosperous and happy life.)
But what is happening to this woman is beyond the pale. I would have done exactly the same in her place. Very few residents of the United States carries papers indicating that they are here legally. I live in a foreign country and I am required by law to carry my passport with me, this is not the situation in America.
Resources can be better spent elsewhere. I agree with another reader who said the police should’ve said “thank you” and got a copy of her ID and let her go on her way.
The next time this happens it could easily be three American hikers who got lost in the desert and are seeking help.
64
@D. Arnold
"(Although I am a very strong supporter of sending military forces into these countries to help every citizens have a prosperous and happy life.)"
Sure, D. That has always worked out so well in the past. I'd say your ideas on immigration are at the very least confused.
27
@wcdevins
I am old enough and educated enough to know that I do not have all the answers.
What are your suggestions for helping the people in Central America? I appear to be a rare breed today as an independent I have both liberal and conservative viewpoints. Unfortunately it seems to be popular today to be at either end of the spectrum.
Life is not that simple.
25
Good for you, Ms. Todd. Your courage is admirable. True heros do what is right, not what is legal. Think of the Miep and Jan Gies, who sheltered Anne Frank’s family. And they paid a price. To quote her: “I did what any decent person would have done." So did you.
193
Doesn't matter what happens to her legally. What matters is that she will take this with her for the rest of her life, and she will know that she has had a life worth living.
We all thank her.
636
@Dan
One can only wonder whether the arresting trooper could ever say/feel same about HIS life.
45
@Dan Perfectly said, Dan. Thank you.
10
@Dan I understand your sentiment, however, it does matter what happens to her legally - she is a single mom with two teenage boys. If she is charged and relegated to jail or prison, her children could end up in foster care and that will profoundly affect their lives and hers.
6
Mr. Kristof is being rather dramatic. As he notes, Ms. Todd has not been charged. All that the three immigrants had to do was to surrender to Border Patrol, and their medical needs would have been taken care of. As the NYT article he links to reports, Border Patrol works with local shelters to make sure immigrants' immediate needs for food and health care are looked after. Suggesting that the U.S. isn't incredibly generous toward the arriving millions is simply dishonest. The immigrants could also have applied for asylum if they qualified. And Mr. Kristof's mocking references to Christian scripture are inappropriate; he seems to be telling conservatives that they're not really Christians because they disagree with him on immigration. Gee, I wonder if scripture should be consulted by Mr. Kristof on other issues he feels deeply about, like abortion or gay rights? There's probably a ton of scripture which one could sanctimoniously quote to Mr. Kristof, suggesting that his pro-choice views would not have been accepted by Jesus.
20
@R.P.'
There is scripture on abortion and gay rights? My father was a pastor. I don't remember anything remotely close to this. My father's favorite sermon was about the Prodigal Son. Love and forgiveness. Abortion? Jesus actually preached about abortion? Gay rights? Jesus actually cared about this when he said "suffer the little children....?"
144
@R.P.
I think you really missed the point on this one. The issue isn't politics, its compassion. When the officers showed up, they had the immigrants and could take them into custody. Why hold Ms. Todd? Yes, Ms. Todd has not been charged, maybe because there is not a real charge to levy, but she was detained in a holding cell with her possessions confiscated. For what reason? The references to scripture were completely appropriate. Your comment that Mr. Kristof was telling conservatives they were not Christian; no, he was exposing un-Christian behavior for what it is, no matter what the politics of the individuals involved.
338
@R.P.
Read the story, please. She called a lawyer for the Border Patrol. The Border Patrol pulled up after she had stopped to help them. Why didn't they just thank her, tell her they would get them medical attention, and then tell her to move along? Get her ID if they felt needed it in the future.
177
Thanks for this powerful column about Teresa Todd's courage.
143
Setting aside religious dogma, it is human to want to help another human in need (medically), regardless if they happen to be on one side or the other of a line drawn on a piece of paper. (in fact in many instances it is against the law to neglect a person that is in distress medically, without at least calling for help)
Having said that, the people are not going to stop coming, or fleeing violence, starvation or impoverishment from where they come from, until we all deal with the root problems.
Many of those problems are directly associated with a failed war on drugs, since the root cause of that problem is the opioid epidemic in this country.
Furthermore the United States has created many economic problems to the south by interfering in the domestic authority of many nations. (propping up strongmen and dictators)
First we look in the mirror, then we solve the problem(s).
192
@FunkyIrishman
"Setting aside religious dogma"
Setting aside what guided and inspired Ms. Todd.
Setting aside the brilliant interspersing of Biblical passages
ending, with the wonderful 1 John 4:20 accusation of our president
Setting aside the entire article
Setting that aside,
I agree with you
17
@FunkyIrishman
It is not as new as the opioid crisis. The War on Drugs goes back a few decades.
12
@Alan
We should also remember the sheer hypocrisy of North America's so-called "War on Drugs" against South American countries, given North America's currant " war WITH drugs" against its own people.
2
Ms. Todd's arrest for courageous, caring, kindness to distressed young strangers belongs in a dystopian novel or an episode of The Twilight Zone in which norms are turned inside out, upside down.
Ms. Todd was right to wonder about the identity of her country.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for shining a light on this modern biblical tale.
406
@Madeleine Forest Yes. Imagine the Good Samaritan story in which Jesus asserts that the people who are saved, the people who will have eternal life, are those in the parable who passed by the injured wayfarer. Then The "Bad Samaritan" was arrested for illegally helping.
The Gospel of Trump.
31
We are made to think they are the enemy. We are not allowed to aid and abet the enemy.
We have become dehumanized.
251
@Blue Moon,
Keep in mind that we may now be navigating under a dictatorship parading as a democracy. Thanking Ms. Todd for her courage in reminding us that there are still true Americans in our midst in what was once known as 'The Land of The Free'.
144
@Blue Moon
trump and many of his followers call the migrants 'animals'. It is those calling themselves 'Christians' yet lack compassion who in their nature are close to being the worst of animals.
I beg pardon of any kind animals reading this comment who might find it offensive. But Shakespeare had it right in 'King Lear', calling man a 'poor, naked, forked animal'. With humanity added, it makes quite a substantial difference in a man.
5
One of the great pleasures in my day is to come down every morning to The New York Times.
I admire all the discovery articles you publish. What would we do in this time in America without publications like yours?
Nick Kristof and David Brooks are my greatest inspiration.
Thank you to all the great journalist and writers at The Times
Aase Schoen
43
@aase Schoen
Indeed, it is like having a newspaper publishing in Germany in the 30's while all that was happening.
6
Teresa Todd shows us all how to be a hero.
When the law is wrong, it is the duty of moral people to break it, and accept the consequences.
553
@Edward Allen I agree. How can showing compassion to young human beings in need to help be a crime? What has the US become? This is not "great."
127
@Edward Allen
Much can be learned in this regard from the abolitionist tracts of the 1830's - 1850's as well as writings from the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 60's.
When laws are wrong, they must be resisted and disobeyed.
66
@Edward Allen, I would add that it is the duty of the rest of us to ensure that there are no legal consequences for morally just actions. Otherwise, we are complicit.
58